A catastrophic boat accident in Kogi State has claimed at least 54 lives, with many others still unaccounted for.

The incident, which involved approximately 200 traders, occurred during a night journey along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the river. Most of the victims were women, petty traders, and artisans traveling to a market in Niger State.

Justin Uwazuruonye, the Head of Operations for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Kogi State, confirmed the death toll, saying:

He also highlighted critical challenges in the rescue operation, including the absence of a passenger manifest and the fact that no life jackets were used.

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) corroborated the report. Suleman Makama, NIWA’s Head of Media, revealed that the boat was en route to a market in Niger State when it capsized.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun extended his condolences to the government and people of Kogi State, especially the affected families. He directed the Force Marine Officer to spearhead an investigation into the mishap.

The IGP emphasized that the investigation aims to uncover the causes of the tragedy, identify gaps in safety protocols, and recommend actionable strategies to prevent future occurrences.

In a statement, the IGP urged waterway operators, boat owners, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the Force Marine Department in implementing strict safety measures, including mandatory use of life jackets and improved passenger documentation.

Search and rescue operations are being intensified, with resources deployed to locate missing passengers. The Nigeria Police Force pledged its commitment to enhancing waterway safety, delivering justice for victims, and reducing risks through strengthened collaborations and proactive policies.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved safety protocols and enforcement on Nigeria’s waterways.