Nigerian authorities confirmed on Wednesday, October 1st, that at least 26 people have died following a boat accident on the Niger River in the Ibaji area of Kogi State, north-central Nigeria.
The incident occurred on Tuesday as passengers—mainly traders—were travelling to a market in neighbouring Edo State.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the event as “a heartbreaking loss,” extending condolences to the bereaved families and the Ibaji community. He added that the State Government would collaborate with federal Agencies to strengthen waterway safety and avert similar tragedies.
Boat mishaps are frequent in Nigeria’s remote regions, particularly during the rainy season, due to overloaded and poorly maintained vessels often operating without life jackets. Analysts have long raised concerns over lax safety measures on inland waterways. The latest tragedy comes just weeks after 31 people lost their lives when an overloaded boat struck a tree trunk in Niger State’s Borgu area, underscoring the persistent dangers of river travel in the country.