14 Dead, 24 Rescued, 42 Missing In Kogi Boat Mishap — NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed 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 of Kogi State.

NEMA, in a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, said the incident occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, when a boat carrying about 80 passengers from Onugwa community capsized en route to Olushi village in Ibaji.

“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,” the agency stated.

It added that search and rescue operations commenced promptly, which led to the rescue of 24 passengers, while 14 corpses were recovered. Efforts are ongoing to locate 42 persons still missing. Community divers are said to be actively assisting official rescue teams.

The rescue mission, NEMA noted, is being carried out with the active participation of 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.

According to the agency, “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, also visited the traditional ruler of Onugwa community, Chief Patrick Arome, to commiserate with him and his people over the tragedy.

While earlier reports suggested the death toll was 26, NEMA clarified that 24 survivors were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 remain missing.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the tragedy.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as “shocking and unfortunate,” and noted that those who lost their lives 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,” the statement read.

Tinubu further called on water transport operators to prioritise safety over profit, while emphasising the strict compliance with safety regulations, including the use of life jackets and adherence to passenger limits. He prayed for comfort for the bereaved families and speedy recovery for the injured.