By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed that the death toll from the Ibaji boat mishap in Kogi State has risen to 36, while 40 passengers have been rescued.Station Head of NIWA in Idah, Williams Isaac, disclosed this on Wednesday, adding that rescue operations were still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
The victims were mainly residents of Onugwa and other riverine communities in Ibaji Local Government Area. Onugwa, with a population of over 300 people, is predominantly a farming community located on the banks of the River Niger. It serves as a major transit hub for people traveling to Illushi, Edo State, to sell farm produce.The tragedy occurred on Tuesday when a boat carrying about 80 passengers capsized while crossing the River Niger. Authorities confirmed that 36 lives have been lost so far, while 40 survivors were rescued by local divers and emergency responders.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Comfort Egwaba, expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of lives. He said the state government had immediately directed relevant agencies to mobilize for rescue operations.Governor Ododo also urged riverine residents to adopt basic safety measures while traveling, and he prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
