The National Emergency Management Agency has reported that 24 passengers were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 people remain missing following a boat accident on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State.

NEMA, in a post shared on X on Thursday, said the incident occurred on Tuesday and involved a boat carrying about 80 passengers travelling from Onugwa community to Olushi village in Ibaji LGA.

Boat accidents are a recurring and serious challenge in Nigeria, particularly in riverine states where waterways serve as key transport routes.

Over the years, incidents involving overcrowded vessels, poorly maintained boats, and insufficient adherence to safety regulations have claimed hundreds of lives.

NEMA stated, “According to reports, the incident happened at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, when a boat carrying about 80 passengers capsized while en route to Olushi village after departing from Onugwa community in Ibaji LGA.

“Upon receiving the report, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, immediately activated the Agency’s Abuja Operations Office, directing it to deploy personnel to the scene of the tragedy in support of ongoing local rescue efforts. The deployment underscores NEMA’s resolve to provide timely intervention and strengthen coordination with state and community responders.

“Search and Rescue (SAR) operations commenced swiftly, leading to the rescue of 24 passengers alive. Sadly, 14 corpses have so far been recovered, while 42 persons remain missing as efforts to locate and recover them continue.”

It noted that community divers are actively assisting official rescue teams, and the operation is ongoing with updates to follow.

The agency emphasised that the rescue efforts are being coordinated with the active participation of multiple agencies and stakeholders, including the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency; the Local Emergency Management Committee, Ibaji; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the National Inland Waterways Authority; the Fire Service; the Nigerian Red Cross Society; local divers; and community members.

“The joint effort underscores the importance of multi-agency collaboration in tackling disasters and ensuring a timely response.

“The NEMA response team, led by the Head of Abuja Operations Office, Mr. Zakari Abubakar, has also visited the traditional ruler of Onugwa community, Chief Patrick Arome, and commiserated with him and the people over the tragic incident.

“The tragedy further highlights the urgent need for strict compliance with water safety regulations, including the use of life jackets and enforcement of passenger limits on boats,” it added.

While earlier reports had put the death toll at 26, the latest report from NEMA confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 people remain missing following the boat accident.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu condoled with the government and people of Kogi State over the sad incident.

In a CORRECTED: 24 rescued, 14 dead, 42 missing in Kogi boat mishap -NEMA

Lara Adejoro

The National Emergency Management Agency has reported that 24 passengers were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 people remain missing following a boat accident on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State.

NEMA, in a post on X on Thursday, said the incident occurred on Tuesday and involved a boat carrying about 80 passengers traveling from Onugwa community to Olushi village in Ibaji LGA.

Boat accidents are a recurring and serious challenge in Nigeria, particularly in riverine states where waterways serve as key transport routes.

Over the years, incidents involving overcrowded vessels, poorly maintained boats, and insufficient adherence to safety regulations have claimed hundreds of lives.

NEMA stated, “According to reports, the incident happened at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, when a boat carrying about 80 passengers capsized while en route to Olushi village after departing from Onugwa community in Ibaji LGA.

“Upon receiving the report, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, immediately activated the Agency’s Abuja Operations Office, directing it to deploy personnel to the scene of the tragedy in support of ongoing local rescue efforts. The deployment underscores NEMA’s resolve to provide timely intervention and strengthen coordination with state and community responders.

“Search and Rescue (SAR) operations commenced swiftly, leading to the rescue of 24 passengers alive. Sadly, 14 corpses have so far been recovered, while 42 persons remain missing as efforts to locate and recover them continue.”

It noted that community divers are actively assisting official rescue teams, and the operation is ongoing with updates to follow.

The agency emphasized that the rescue efforts are being coordinated with the active participation of multiple agencies and stakeholders, including the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency; the Local Emergency Management Committee, Ibaji; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the National Inland Waterways Authority; the Fire Service; the Nigerian Red Cross Society; local divers; and community members.

“The joint effort underscores the importance of multi-agency collaboration in tackling disasters and ensuring a timely response.

“The NEMA response team, led by the Head of Abuja Operations Office, Mr. Zakari Abubakar, has also visited the traditional ruler of Onugwa community, Chief Patrick Arome, and commiserated with him and the people over the tragic incident.

“The tragedy further highlights the urgent need for strict compliance with water safety regulations, including the use of life jackets and enforcement of passenger limits on boats,” it added.

While earlier reports had put the death toll at 26, the latest report from NEMA confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 people remain missing following the boat accident.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu condoled with the government and people of Kogi State over the sad incident.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by his adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as “shocking and unfortunate,” noting that the deceased were on legitimate missions to earn a living.

“The President commends the first responders at the accident scene and urges federal, state, and local emergency responders to step up their efforts to provide needed assistance to survivors and victims,” it read partly.

He also pressed water transport operators to prioritise safety over profit and prayed for solace for the bereaved and swift recovery for the injured.

issued on Wednesday and signed by his adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as “shocking and unfortunate,” noting that the deceased were on legitimate missions to earn a living.

“The President commends the first responders at the accident scene and urges federal, state, and local emergency responders to step up their efforts to provide needed assistance to survivors and victims,” it read partly.

He also urged water transport operators to prioritise safety over profit and prayed for solace for the bereaved and swift recovery for the injured.

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