NEMA officials and community divers continue search and rescue after the Kogi boat tragedy on River Niger.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed more than 10 deaths, 24 rescued passengers, and 42 still missing after a boat mishap on the River Niger in Kogi State.
According to the agency, the accident occurred on Tuesday evening when a boat carrying about 80 passengers departed Onugwa community in Ibaji Local Government Area and was heading to Olushi village before it capsized.
NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, activated the Abuja Operations Office to support ongoing search and rescue efforts. The agency disclosed that 14 corpses had been recovered as of Thursday, while rescue operations continue.
Community divers are assisting responders, including NEMA, KOSEMA, NIWA, Red Cross, Civil Defence, and the Fire Service.
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“The unfortunate mishap has claimed several lives and left dozens missing,” NEMA said, adding that periodic updates will be provided.
On Wednesday, the Kogi State Government announced that at least 26 passengers had died in the tragedy. Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “a heartbreaking loss” and conveyed Governor Usman Ododo’s condolences to the affected families.
The governor directed state agencies to support victims’ families and strengthen safety measures on waterways.
Both NEMA and the state government have urged riverine communities to avoid boat overloading and to always use life jackets during water transportation.
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