The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 remain missing following a tragic boat accident on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident, which occurred around 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, involved a boat carrying about 80 passengers travelling from Onugwa community to Olushi village in Ibaji.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, NEMA said its Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, immediately activated the agency’s Abuja Operations Office to support local responders and coordinate rescue operations.
“Search and Rescue (SAR) operations commenced swiftly, leading to the rescue of 24 passengers alive. Sadly, 14 corpses have so far been recovered, while 42 persons remain missing as efforts to locate and recover them continue,” NEMA stated.
Community divers are working alongside official rescue teams, with multiple agencies involved, 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 volunteers.
The NEMA team, led by the Head of Abuja Operations Office, Mr. Zakari Abubakar, also paid a condolence visit to the traditional ruler of Onugwa community, Chief Patrick Arome, commiserating with the people over the tragedy.
The agency stressed the urgent need for strict compliance with water safety regulations, including the compulsory use of life jackets and enforcement of passenger limits on boats.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the government and people of Kogi State. In a statement signed by his adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as “shocking and unfortunate,” praising first responders and urging emergency agencies to intensify efforts.
He further called on water transport operators to prioritise safety over profit, praying for the bereaved families and quick recovery of survivors.
Boat mishaps remain a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s riverine areas, often linked to overcrowding, poorly maintained vessels, and weak enforcement of safety regulations.
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