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A fully loaded boat capsized on River Niger in Ibaji LGA, leaving at least 20 dead
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Eyewitnesses say passengers were en route Ilushi market for October 1st festivities
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Authorities fear the death toll may rise as many remain missing beneath the waters
A tragic boat accident on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State has left at least 20 passengers dead, with many others feared missing after a heavily loaded vessel capsized on Tuesday evening.
Eyewitness Accounts
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The boat, which departed Onugwa community for Ilushi market, sank midway around 4:30pm, plunging dozens into the river. Survivors and eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and helplessness.
Mr. James Otoga, who witnessed the incident, said: “The boat was fully loaded with our people going to market for the October 1st celebration. Only five survivors have surfaced yet and 20 bodies have been recovered so far. More of our people are lying lifeless beneath the River Niger.”
He added that mourners returning from a burial in Onugwa were also among the victims.
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Local Council Confirms Devastation
The Chairman of Ibaji LGA, Mr. Ugeh Emmanuel, described the tragedy as the most devastating in the area’s history, saying casualty figures remain uncertain.
“As I am speaking with you now, nobody can authoritatively say this is the actual number of casualties. We cannot even ascertain the number of people onboard from their departure time. The boat had not even reached Ilushi when the mishap occurred,” he told journalists.
Emmanuel added that most passengers were heading to Ilushi for the annual October 1st community celebration before their lives were cut short.
Rescue Efforts Underway
As of press time, local divers and residents continued frantic rescue operations with limited resources. Bodies recovered were taken to nearby communities for identification, while families gathered in grief at the riverbank.
Authorities are yet to provide an official figure, but the toll is expected to rise as more victims remain trapped beneath the river.
