Kogi boat tragedy claims 20 lives, families thrown into grief

Kogi State has been thrown into mourning after a tragic boat mishap on the River Niger claimed no fewer than 20 lives.

The ill-fated boat, packed with traders and community members from Onugwa in Ibaji Local Government Area, was heading to Ilushi Market in Edo State on Tuesday evening when it capsized midway.

Eyewitnesses said the passengers were travelling for the October 1 celebration and market day when the boat, overloaded with people and goods, went under.

Local farmer James Otoga, who witnessed the tragedy, said only five people were rescued alive. “So far, 20 bodies have been recovered, but more of our people are still trapped in the river,” he said, his voice breaking.

Confirming the disaster, Ibaji council chairman Hon. Ugeh Emmanuel described it as “the most disastrous accident in the history of the local government.”

“As I speak to you, nobody can say the exact number of casualties. We don’t even know how many boarded the boat. It happened around 4:30pm, and most of the victims were on their way for the October 1st celebration,” he said.

The state government, through Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, called the tragedy “unfortunate” and confirmed the rising death toll.

Governor Usman Ododo, in a condolence message, directed emergency agencies to support the victims’ families and promised tighter waterway safety measures in collaboration with federal authorities.

He also urged riverine communities to prioritise safety by avoiding overloading and always using life jackets.

Boat accidents have become a grim trend in Kogi and other riverine states. Last December, 19 passengers died when another overloaded wooden boat capsized on the River Niger while heading to Kacha Market in Niger State.

For the families of Ibaji, however, this latest tragedy has brought October 1 not as a day of celebration, but of tears.