Ibaji Boat Tragedy: 20 Confirmed Dead, Search Ongoing
At least 20 people have been confirmed dead following a tragic boat accident on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Eyewitness James Otoga, a farmer from the area, told journalists that the overloaded boat departed from Onugwa community en route to Ilushi market before it capsized on the River Niger around 4:30 pm. The boat was reportedly carrying passengers heading to the market for the traditional October 1st celebrations.
"The boat was fully loaded with our people going to Ilushi for the celebrations. So far, only five survivors have been found, and we've recovered 20 bodies. Many more remain unaccounted for beneath the river," Otoga said.
He added that some of the victims were returning to Ilushi after attending a burial in Onugwa. The exact number of passengers on board remains unknown.
Confirming the incident, Ibaji Local Government Chairman, Ugeh Emmanuel, described it as the most devastating boat accident in the area's history.
“As of now, no one can confirm the total number of casualties or how many people were actually on board. The boat didn’t even get close to Ilushi before it capsized. It’s a tragic loss for our community,” he said in a phone interview.
Tragically, this is just one of several fatal boat accidents reported in Kogi, Niger, and other riverine states in the past year.
Efforts to reach the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebanji, and the AGM, Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama, were unsuccessful, as their phones were unreachable at the time of this report.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government expressed profound sorrow over the incident. In a statement, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said reports reaching the state suggest up to 26 lives may have been lost.
“This is a heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and the entire Ibaji LGA in this moment of grief,” the statement read.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo extended his condolences to the bereaved families and directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant authorities to provide urgent support to those affected.
He also emphasized the state’s commitment to working with federal agencies to strengthen safety measures on waterways, aiming to prevent future tragedies.
“We urge our people, especially in riverine areas, to prioritize safety by avoiding overloading and using life jackets and other protective measures during water travel,” the governor stated.
The Kogi State Government reiterated its support for the people of Ibaji LGA during this difficult time. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing.
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