26 Feared Dead and Other Missing in Ibaji Boat Mishap
A dark cloud fell over Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State on Tuesday evening when a fully loaded passenger boat capsized while en route from Onugwa community to Ilushi market in Edo State.
According to FCNN, the vessel, said to be overcrowded, went under midway, leaving many feared dead. The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that no fewer than 26 lives were allegedly lost in the tragedy.
In his reaction, Governor Usman Ododo expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the people of Ibaji. He directed the State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to work closely with local leaders in providing immediate relief and support to the bereaved families.
The governor further appealed to residents of riverine communities to prioritize safety by avoiding overloading boats and using life jackets during water transportation. He also assured that the state government, in partnership with federal agencies, will intensify measures to improve safety standards on waterways.
This latest tragedy adds to a series of boat mishaps that have rocked Kogi, Niger, and other riverine states in recent years, raising urgent concerns about safety compliance and regulation on Nigeria’s waterways.
