The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued after a boat carrying about 80 people capsized on the River Niger in Kogi State on Tuesday evening.
In its update on Thursday, NEMA said 42 persons remain missing, while 14 bodies have been recovered. The boat had departed Onugwa community in Ibaji Local Government Area and was heading to Olushi village before the accident.
The Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, has activated the Abuja Operations Office to support search and rescue efforts, which involve community divers, KOSEMA, NIWA, Red Cross, Civil Defence, and the Fire Service.
NEMA assured that periodic updates will be provided as operations continue.
On Wednesday, the Kogi State Government confirmed at least 26 deaths from the tragedy. Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo described the incident as “a heartbreaking loss,” while Governor Usman Ododo conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and directed agencies to provide support.
Both NEMA and the state government emphasised the need for strict compliance with safety measures on waterways, urging riverine communities to avoid overloading and to always use life jackets.
