The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 24 passengers have been rescued following the deadly boat mishap that occurred along the River Niger in Kogi State on Tuesday evening.
According to NEMA, 42 people remain missing, and search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
The ill-fated boat was reportedly carrying around 80 passengers when it capsized en route from Onugwa community in Ibaji Local Government Area to Olushi village. So far, 14 bodies have been recovered, and emergency responders continue their efforts to locate the remaining missing persons.
“The unfortunate mishap has claimed several lives and left dozens missing,” NEMA stated in a public update.
In response to the tragedy, NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, deployed the Abuja Operations Office to support on-ground operations. The search teams include a coalition of responders from NEMA, Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), the Red Cross, Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, the Fire Service, and community divers.
Periodic updates will be shared as more information becomes available, NEMA assured.
The Head of NEMA’s Abuja Operations Office, Zakari Abubakar, also visited Onugwa to commiserate with the local traditional ruler and community members affected by the loss.
The Kogi State Government confirmed on Wednesday that at least 26 people have lost their lives in the disaster.
Kogi’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “a heartbreaking loss,” extending condolences on behalf of Governor Usman Ododo, who directed all relevant agencies to support affected families and strengthen safety enforcement on local waterways.
“The Government of Kogi State stands with the people of Ibaji LGA in this moment of grief,” the statement read.
Both NEMA and the state government have stressed the urgent need for improved safety compliance on Nigeria’s inland waterways. They are urging riverine communities to avoid overloading boats and to ensure the use of life jackets during travel.
As rescue operations continue, the nation watches and hopes for more survivors to be found.
