Abuja, (BN24) — A tragic boat accident on the River Niger in Nigeria’s north-central Kogi State has left at least 26 people dead, local officials confirmed on Thursday. The incident occurred on Wednesday when a boat carrying traders capsized while en route from the Ibaji district in Kogi State to the market town of Ilushi in neighboring Edo State.
Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, described the accident as a “heartbreaking loss” in a statement. “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,” he added.
The boat mishap occurred during the height of the rainy season, a time when waterways across Nigeria are particularly dangerous due to swollen rivers and strong currents. Boat accidents are unfortunately common in the country, often attributed to overloaded vessels, inadequate safety measures, and the absence of life jackets, despite warnings from authorities about the need for better regulation.
Boats are an essential form of transportation in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where road infrastructure is underdeveloped. However, the enforcement of safety standards remains a significant challenge. According to Fanwo, the Kogi state government plans to collaborate with federal agencies to improve safety on the nation’s waterways to prevent further tragedies.
The tragic event follows another deadly boat accident last month in which at least 31 people died in the Borgu area of Niger State. That incident occurred when an overcrowded boat struck a tree trunk, underlining the persistent risks associated with informal and unsafe boat operations.
The cause of the latest accident in Kogi State has not been immediately determined. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing. As the rainy season continues, concerns over the safety of boat travel in Nigeria are expected to remain a pressing issue, with calls for stricter enforcement of waterway regulations and greater awareness of the risks involved.
