By: Sunday Ameh
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 persons remain missing following a boat mishap on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The tragic incident, which occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, involved a boat carrying around 80 passengers from Onugwa community to Olushi village.
In a statement on Thursday, NEMA disclosed that its Director-General, Zubaida Umar, immediately activated the agency’s Abuja Operations Office to support local responders with search and rescue efforts.
“The operation led to the rescue of 24 passengers alive, while 14 corpses have so far been recovered. Sadly, 42 persons are still unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continue,” the agency said.
It added that divers from the affected communities are assisting official teams, alongside multiple agencies, including the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Nigerian Red Cross, the Fire Service, and local vigilantes.
The Head of Abuja Operations, Mr. Zakari Abubakar, also visited the traditional ruler of Onugwa, Chief Patrick Arome, to commiserate with the community over the tragedy.
President Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the accident as “shocking and unfortunate.” He urged water transport operators to prioritise safety over profit and prayed for the repose of the deceased and quick recovery for survivors.
NEMA emphasised that the incident highlights the urgent need for strict enforcement of safety measures on waterways, particularly the use of life jackets and adherence to passenger limits.
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