Toll Rises to 26: River Niger Tragedy Claims Traders Heading to Market

Dependable NG reports a devastating boat tragedy on the River Niger has cast a pall over Kogi State, as the government confirms the death toll from the mishap has tragically climbed to 26 people. The victims, primarily traders, were travelling across the River Niger from the Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to the Ilushi market in neighbouring Edo State when the incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, expressed the profound grief of the state government. “Reports indicate that the unfortunate incident has claimed the lives of not less than 26 passengers,” the commissioner confirmed. “This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, as well as the entire Ibaji Local Government Area, in this moment of grief.”

Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has extended his deep condolences to the bereaved families. The Governor has since directed relevant state agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to immediately collaborate with local authorities on the ground to provide urgent support and relief to all affected by the disaster.

Fanwo further assured the public that the government would intensify ongoing efforts, in collaboration with federal agencies, to bolster safety measures across its waterways. This push for improved maritime safety is aimed at preventing a recurrence of such a devastating tragedy on the busy River Niger. The state government also used the unfortunate incident as a moment to appeal to all Nigerian citizens, particularly those in riverine communities, to consistently prioritise safety. This includes strictly avoiding the overloading of vessels and diligently using life jackets and other essential precautionary measures whenever embarking on water travel. The Commissioner concluded the statement by affirming that the Government of Kogi State “stands with the people of Ibaji LGA and will continue to support them through this difficult time.”