The Kogi State Government has expressed deep sadness over the boat mishap that occurred on the River Niger, involving traders travelling from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State.
In a statement issued in the early hours of Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “unfortunate.”
The commissioner confirmed that the death toll from the accident has risen to 26.
“Reports indicate that the unfortunate incident has claimed the lives of not less than 26 passengers. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, as well as the entire Ibaji Local Government Area, during this moment of grief,” the commissioner wrote.
He added that Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and has directed relevant agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency, to work with local authorities to provide immediate support and relief to those affected.
“The Governor further assured that the State Government will intensify ongoing efforts, in collaboration with federal agencies, to improve safety measures on our waterways to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy. He called on the people, especially riverine communities, to always prioritise safety by avoiding overloading and using life jackets and other precautionary measures whenever they travel by water.
“The Government of Kogi State stands with the people of Ibaji LGA and will continue to support them through this difficult time,” the commissioner noted.
An eyewitness and local farmer, James Otoga, told journalists that the incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, 30th September 2025.
According to him, the boat, fully loaded with people, departed from Onugwa community in Ibaji, heading to Ilushi Market, but capsized, leaving an undetermined number of people dead.
“The boat was fully loaded with our people going to the market for the First of October celebration. Only five survivors have been rescued, and 20 bodies have been recovered so far, while more of our people remain lifeless beneath the River Niger. Even those who attended a burial in Onugwa and were returning to Ilushi went missing. We are yet to confirm the total number of people onboard and those who survived,” he stated.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Honourable Ugeh Emmanuel, described the accident as the most disastrous in the history of the local government, saying many people lost their lives.
“As I speak with you now, nobody can authoritatively state the actual number of casualties. We also cannot ascertain the number of people on board from their departure point. This is a very serious accident. The boat had not even reached Ilushi when the mishap occurred around 4:30 pm. Most of the victims were travelling to Ilushi for the First of October celebration, a long-standing tradition in the community, before they met their untimely death,” he said.
Recall that over the past year, numerous boat mishaps have occurred in Kogi, Niger, and other riverine states, resulting in significant loss of life.
On December 23, 2024, a wooden boat carrying 60 passengers from the Kupa area of Lokoja Local Government Area to Kacha Market in Niger State capsized, leading to the death of 19 passengers whose bodies were later recovered.
In response, the management of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) banned passengers without life jackets from travelling on boats, and operators of such boats are currently being prosecuted.
PUNCH.
