Kogi Boat Accident: At Least 26 Dead in Niger River Tragedy

Kogi Boat Accident: At Least 26 Dead in Niger River Tragedy

A tragic boat accident in Kogi State, Nigeria, has left at least 26 people dead, with several others still missing, after an overloaded vessel capsized on the Niger River. The incident occurred on Friday morning when traders and commuters were traveling from Kogi to a popular market in Edo State.

Eyewitnesses and local officials confirmed that the wooden boat, carrying more than 100 passengers, overturned midway across the river due to suspected overloading and strong water currents. Most of the victims were women and young people who were heading to sell farm produce and other goods.

Emergency responders, including officials of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and local divers, rushed to the scene. While 26 bodies have been recovered, rescue operations are ongoing as authorities fear the death toll could rise. Survivors described the scene as chaotic, with passengers struggling to stay afloat without life jackets.

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the accident. He also promised support for the affected families.

The Federal Inland Waterways Authority reiterated its call for strict enforcement of safety measures on Nigeria’s waterways, emphasizing the need for life jackets, regulated passenger limits, and properly licensed boats.

The Nigerian Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies have been mobilized to assist in recovery efforts and provide relief materials to grieving families.

Recurring Tragedies on Nigerian Waterways

Boat accidents remain a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, particularly in riverine communities across Kogi, Niger, Kebbi, and Bayelsa States. Factors such as overloading, lack of regulation, use of old or faulty boats, and non-compliance with safety standards contribute to frequent disasters.

In 2023, similar accidents in Kwara and Kebbi claimed dozens of lives, raising concerns over weak enforcement of inland water transport laws.

This latest Kogi boat accident is a stark reminder of Nigeria’s urgent need to prioritize waterway safety. Until enforcement agencies crack down on unsafe practices, innocent lives will continue to be lost in avoidable tragedies. Beyond condolences, authorities must ensure prosecution of negligent operators, provision of modern boats, and public awareness campaigns on water safety.

The Niger River, one of Africa’s most important waterways, should be a channel for commerce and connectivity, not a recurring site of grief.