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The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed that at least 36 people have lost their lives following a devastating boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The ill-fated boat, which carried close to 80 passengers, was en route from Akpu and Odumomo settlements in Ibaji to Ilushi in neighbouring Edo State when it capsized on Tuesday.
Many of the victims were families returning from a burial ceremony.
According to officials, 40 passengers have so far been rescued, while intensive search-and-rescue operations remain underway.
Local divers have been drafted alongside emergency workers to comb the river for more bodies.
Speaking during an interview on NTA’s News Xtra, Williams Isaac, NIWA’s Head of Station in Idah, revealed that the majority of those who drowned were residents of Onugwa and other riverine communities in the Ibaji area.
He described the accident as a painful blow to communities that already struggle with poor access to safe transportation.
“This incident is heartbreaking because it wiped out families in just one day,” Isaac said. “Our teams are still on the ground, working hand in hand with local divers to recover more victims and assist the survivors.”
Eyewitnesses from Ibaji described the scene as chaotic, with villagers rushing to the riverbank in hopes of spotting missing relatives.
One resident, who identified himself as John, said: “We kept pulling people out of the water, but many had already drowned before help arrived.”
Authorities have not released the full manifest of passengers, but it is feared the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
NIWA has also assured that it is putting measures in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Boat accidents remain a recurring nightmare for riverine communities in Nigeria, where overcrowding, poor safety standards, and lack of life jackets often worsen the toll of mishaps.