Nigeria is once again plunged into mourning following a tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of at least 26 people in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
According to eyewitnesses, the ill-fated boat was heavily loaded with traders and other passengers travelling from Onugwa community in Ibaji to the Ilushi market in neighbouring Edo State, a route commonly used for commerce ahead of the October 1st celebrations. The vessel reportedly capsized around 4:30pm, throwing its occupants into the River Niger.
It is not exactly clear how the tragedy occurred but observers suggest that the safety measures put in place, as has been the case in recent cases, were not adequate.
Local sources, including a farmer identified as James Otoga, described the harrowing scene, noting that only five survivors have been accounted for so far, with over 20 bodies already recovered. “Even those who came for a burial in Onugwa and were returning to Ilushi are still missing,” Otoga added, highlighting the scale of the tragedy.
The Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Ugeh Emmanuel, described the incident as the worst in the history of the area. “We cannot authoritatively confirm the total number of casualties at this time,” he said, adding that efforts are ongoing to determine the number of passengers onboard.
In a swift reaction, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kogi State, describing the incident as “shocking and unfortunate,” especially given that the victims were pursuing their legitimate means of livelihood.
The President commended the efforts of first responders at the scene and urged federal, state, and local emergency services to intensify rescue and relief operations. He further called on water transport operators to prioritise safety over profit, warning that continued negligence poses unacceptable risks to Nigerian lives.
President Tinubu also offered prayers for the souls of the departed and wished the injured a swift recovery.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, conveyed the President’s message, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to improved safety on Nigeria’s waterways.
The Kogi State Government, through Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that reports from the scene indicated no fewer than 26 lives were lost. He described the event as a “heartbreaking loss,” adding that the state is working with local authorities and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide immediate support to affected families.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and has directed relevant agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and improve safety protocols on inland waterways.
“This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement of safety measures, including the use of life jackets and prevention of overloading,” the Governor stated. “The Government of Kogi State stands firmly with the people of Ibaji and will continue to support them through this difficult time.”
Despite the severity of the incident, there has been no official statement from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) at the time of this report, raising concerns about regulatory oversight and emergency responsiveness.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of similar tragedies in riverine areas across Kogi, Niger, and other states, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s inland water transportation system.
