Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: Ibaji boat accident

  • Kogi Government Mourns Victims of Ibaji Boat Mishap

    Kogi Government Mourns Victims of Ibaji Boat Mishap

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the boat mishap on the River Niger that claimed about 26 lives on Tuesday evening. The tragedy involved traders traveling from Ibaji Local Government Area to the Illushi market in Edo State.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the incident as heartbreaking. He said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has extended condolences to the bereaved families and directed relevant agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency, to work with local authorities to provide immediate relief and support.“ The Government and people of Kogi State received with deep sadness the news of the boat mishap. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, as well as the entire Ibaji Local Government Area, in this moment of grief,” Fanwo stated.

    He added that the state government will intensify efforts in collaboration with federal agencies to improve safety measures on waterways to prevent a recurrence.The commissioner urged residents of riverine communities to prioritize safety by avoiding overloading boats and using life jackets and other precautionary measures during water travel.“

    The Government of Kogi State stands with the people of Ibaji LGA and will continue to support them through this difficult time,” the statement assured.

  • 20 Dead, Several Missing in Fresh Boat Mishap in Kogi

    20 Dead, Several Missing in Fresh Boat Mishap in Kogi

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    At least 20 people have been confirmed dead and several others declared missing after a boat capsized on Tuesday evening in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. when a fully loaded boat carrying traders and other passengers from Onugwa to Ilushi market sank in the River Niger. Some of the victims were reportedly returning from a burial ceremony in Onugwa.An eyewitness, James Otoga, a farmer in the community, told journalists that the boat was overcrowded and heading to Ilushi market for the October 1st celebration when it capsized.“

    The boat was fully loaded with our people going to market. Only five survivors have been rescued so far. About 20 bodies have been recovered, while many others are still missing beneath the river,” Otoga said.Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Hon. Ugeh Emmanuel, who confirmed the incident by telephone, described it as the most disastrous boat mishap in the history of the council.“ As I speak, no one can give the exact number of casualties or confirm how many passengers were on board. The accident happened before the boat got close to Ilushi. Most of the victims were heading there for the October 1st celebration, a tradition in the community,” Emmanuel stated.

    The latest mishap adds to a series of boat accidents recorded in Kogi, Niger, and other riverine states in the past year, raising fresh concerns over inland waterway safety.Efforts to reach the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebanji, and its Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama, were unsuccessful as their phones were switched off.

  • 20 Die, Several Missing in Kogi Boat Accident


    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    At least 20 people have died and several others are missing after a boat capsized on Tuesday evening in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. when a boat transporting traders from Onugwa to Ilushi market overturned, throwing all passengers into the water. Some of the victims were reportedly returning from a burial ceremony in Onugwa.

    An eyewitness, James Otoga, a farmer in the area, said the boat was overloaded with passengers heading to the market ahead of the October 1 celebrations. According to him, only five survivors have been rescued so far, while the search for others continues.

    Authorities are yet to release the full casualty figure, but local sources confirmed that at least 20 bodies have been recovered. Rescue efforts are ongoing.