Boat Tragedy in Kogi: Several Feared Dead as Vessel Capsizes in Ibaji

By Diafa Doubra,

A tragic boat accident has claimed several lives in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, after a passenger boat capsized on the River Niger. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has thrown the riverine community into mourning.

According to eyewitnesses, the ill-fated boat was carrying more than 20 passengers, mostly traders and farmers traveling to a nearby market. Midway through the journey, the boat reportedly hit a submerged object and overturned, throwing all the occupants into the river.

Local divers and fishermen rushed to the scene to rescue survivors, but several passengers were already missing as of Friday morning. Some bodies have been recovered, while search and rescue efforts are ongoing.

The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed the accident, describing it as a devastating loss. Officials blamed the tragedy on overloading and failure to use life jackets, which remain a recurring problem in local water transport.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed grief over the incident and directed emergency responders to intensify search operations and provide relief for affected families.

Boat mishaps have become frequent in riverine areas of Kogi, Niger, and Kebbi states, prompting fresh calls for stricter safety regulations and proper maintenance of water transport systems to prevent further loss of lives.