By Correspondent in Lokoja.
A tragic boat mishap in Kogi’s Ibaji Local Government Area has claimed the lives of at least 26 people, with several others still missing.
The incident,our correspondent gathered,occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday when a fully loaded boat departed Onugwa community in Ibaji LGA and was heading to Ilushi market in Edo State.
The vessel,said to be carrying traders and residents traveling for the October 1 celebrations, capsized along the River Niger.
An eyewitness, who is a local farmer, James Otoga, told journalists that only five survivors had been rescued, while 26 bodies were recovered from the river.
“Many of our people are still lying lifeless beneath the River Niger. Even those returning from a burial in Onugwa are missing. We cannot yet confirm the exact number onboard,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government, Hon. Ugeh Emmanuel, described it as the most devastating in the history of the area.
“Nobody can authoritatively state the actual number of casualties or passengers onboard at departure.
The boat capsized before even getting close to Ilushi,” he said, adding that the victims were mostly community members heading for the traditional Independence Day festivities.
In reaction, the Kogi State Government expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy with
the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, describing the incident as heartbreaking.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and the entire Ibaji community,” he said.
He pledged the state government’s immediate support and renewed efforts to improve waterway safety.
According to him,Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo extended condolences to the bereaved families and directed the State Emergency Management Agency to work with local authorities in providing relief and support.
The governor ,Fanwo added assured that the state, in collaboration with federal agencies, would intensify efforts to strengthen safety measures on waterways to prevent a recurrence.
Ododo urged riverine communities to prioritize safety by avoiding overloading and by making use of life jackets and other precautionary measures while traveling by water.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
