KOGI BOAT MISHAP: DEATH TOLL HITS 35, OVER 20 STILL MISSING
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The death toll from Tuesday’s boat accident in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State has risen to 35, with more than 20 passengers still unaccounted for.
Kogi Commissioner for Agriculture, Timothy Ojomah, confirmed on Wednesday that 15 additional corpses had been recovered, bringing the figure to 35, while 46 passengers were rescued. The ill-fated boat, carrying about 80 people, capsized on the River Niger while ferrying traders and residents from Onugwa community to Ilushi market for the Independence Day celebrations.
Local sources said many victims were also returning from a burial in the community when the accident occurred.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), however, gave a separate update on Thursday, stating that 24 passengers had been rescued, 14 corpses recovered, and 42 people remained missing. It said rescue efforts were ongoing in collaboration with state and local emergency committees, the Civil Defence Corps, NIWA, Red Cross, Fire Service, and community divers.
President Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message, described the incident as “shocking and unfortunate” and urged boat operators to prioritise safety over profit. He also commended first responders and directed emergency agencies to intensify rescue operations.
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