Kogi Boat Disaster: 14 dead, dozens still missing

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued and 4 bodies recovered after  a boat mishap on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State.

The agency, however, says 42 people remain missing.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, NEMA stated the incident occurred on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, and involved a boat carrying approximately 80 passengers travelling from Onugwa community to Olushi village in Ibaji.

Boat accidents remain a persistent and serious issue in Nigeria, particularly in riverine regions, where water transport is a primary means of movement. Overcrowded vessels, poorly maintained boats, and weak enforcement of safety regulations have claimed numerous lives over the years.

NEMA said: “The incident occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, when a boat with around 80 passengers capsized en route to Olushi village after departing from Onugwa community in Ibaji LGA.”

Upon receiving the distress report, NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, activated the Agency’s Abuja Operations Office, which immediately deployed personnel to support local rescue efforts. The operation highlights NEMA’s commitment to timely intervention and effective coordination with both state and community responders.

The Search and Rescue (SAR) operation led to the rescue of 24 passengers, while 14 bodies have been recovered. 42 individuals are still unaccounted for, and rescue operations are ongoing, with local divers supporting the mission.

NEMA also stated that multiple agencies are involved in the response, including: The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, the Local Emergency Management Committee (Ibaji), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Fire Service,  the Nigerian Red Cross Society and local divers and community volunteers

NEMA officials, led by Mr Zakari Abubakar, Head of Abuja Operations Office, visited Chief Patrick Arome, traditional ruler of Onugwa, to commiserate with the community.

Earlier reports had suggested 26 fatalities, but NEMA’s updated figure stands at 14 confirmed deaths.