Nigeria was thrown into mourning on Tuesday after a tragic boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State claimed at least 26 lives. The accident, which occurred around 4:30 pm, has once again highlighted the dangers of water transportation in the country’s riverine communities.
The ill-fated boat was said to be carrying traders and community members from Onugwa in Ibaji to the popular Ilushi market in neighboring Edo State when it capsized on the River Niger. Eyewitnesses said the vessel was overloaded with passengers traveling for market activities and the October 1st Independence Day celebration.
A farmer and resident of the area, James Otoga, told journalists that the accident struck suddenly, plunging dozens of passengers into the river.
“The boat was fully loaded with our people going to market for the October 1st celebration. Only five survivors have surfaced yet. More than 20 bodies have been recovered so far, and others are still lying lifeless beneath the Niger River. Even those who came for a burial in Onugwa and returned to Ilushi were among the missing,” Otoga said, noting that the exact number of passengers on board was yet to be determined.
The tragic incident drew swift condolences from President Bola Tinubu, who described the crash as “shocking and unfortunate.” In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and titled ‘President Tinubu Commiserates With Victims Of Ibaji Boat Mishap’, Tinubu commended first responders for their quick intervention and urged emergency agencies at all levels to intensify efforts in assisting survivors.
“The President commends the first responders at the accident scene and urges federal, state, and local emergency responders to step up their efforts to provide needed assistance to survivors and victims,” the statement read. Tinubu further appealed to water transport operators to prioritize passenger safety above profit and prayed for comfort for the bereaved families and a quick recovery for the injured.
The Kogi State Government also expressed grief over the tragedy. In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the death toll and described the incident as “heartbreaking.” He said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed the State Emergency Management Agency to work closely with local authorities to provide immediate relief and support to the victims’ families.
“The Government of Kogi State stands with the people of Ibaji LGA and will continue to support them through this difficult time. The Governor has also assured that the State Government will intensify ongoing efforts in collaboration with federal agencies to improve safety measures on our waterways to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy,” Fanwo said.
He further advised residents of riverine communities to avoid overloading boats, ensure the use of life jackets, and observe other safety protocols whenever traveling by water.
Boat accidents remain a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has repeatedly identified overloading, poorly maintained vessels, lack of life jackets, and weak enforcement of safety rules as major causes of such disasters.
In June 2023, more than 100 people died when a vessel carrying wedding guests capsized on the Niger River near Pategi, Kwara State. Similar incidents have been recorded in states such as Kebbi, Anambra, and Niger, with many of them involving market-bound traders and rural dwellers who rely heavily on water transportation.
The Ibaji incident has once again renewed calls for urgent government intervention to strengthen safety enforcement on Nigeria’s inland waterways. For families in Kogi, however, the focus remains on recovering their loved ones and mourning those who never made it home.