By Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe
Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
September 30, 2025
(Series News Online)
A devastating boat mishap has claimed 20 lives in Kogi State, with many others still missing. The incident occurred on Tuesday at about 4:30 pm in Ibaji Local Government Area of the state.
According to an eyewitness, Mr. James Otoga, a farmer in the local government area, the boat was fully loaded with people departing from Onugwa community heading to Ilushi market when it capsized in River Niger. "The boat was fully loaded with our people going to market for the first of October celebration," Otoga said. "Only five survivors have surfaced yet and 20 bodies have been recovered so far, and more of our people are lying lifeless beneath the River Niger."
The Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Honourable Ugeh Emmanuel, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with journalists. He described the incident as the most disastrous in the history of the local government, saying many people have lost their lives in the accident. "As I am speaking with you now, nobody can authoritatively say this is the actual number of casualties," he said. "And again, we cannot even ascertain the number of people onboard right from their departure destination."
The incident has brought to the fore the recurring problem of boat mishaps in Kogi and other riverine states. In the last one year, numerous boat mishaps have occurred, resulting in the loss of many lives.
Efforts to reach the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebanji, and Assistant General Manager (AGM), Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama, proved abortive as their cell phones could not be reached.
The incident has left many families in grief, with the community mourning the loss of their loved ones. The local government chairman has promised to do everything possible to support the affected families and prevent future incidents.
Tags
Boat Mishap