LOKOJA: The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued and 42 remain missing after a boat carrying about 80 people capsized on the River Niger in Kogi State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when the vessel departed Onugwa community in Ibaji Local Government Area en route to Olushi village before sinking.
So far, 14 bodies have been recovered as search and rescue operations continue. Community divers are working alongside NEMA, KOSEMA, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Red Cross, Civil Defence, and the Fire Service.
“The unfortunate mishap has claimed several lives and left dozens missing,” NEMA said in an update, adding that its Abuja Operations Office has been deployed to support the response.
On Wednesday, the Kogi State Government confirmed at least 26 deaths, with Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo describing the tragedy as a heartbreaking loss.
Governor Usman Ododo extended condolences to affected families and directed agencies to assist victims while strengthening safety measures on the state’s waterways.
Authorities have urged riverine communities to avoid boat overloading and ensure the use of life jackets to prevent future disasters.
