The Nationwide Emergency Administration Company (NEMA) has confirmed that 24 passengers had been rescued, 14 our bodies recovered, and 42 folks stay lacking following a ship accident on the River Niger in Ibaji Native Authorities Space, Kogi State.
The company reported that the incident occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, when a ship carrying roughly 80 passengers capsized whereas travelling from Onugwa neighborhood to Olushi village.
“Upon receiving the report, the Director Basic of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, instantly activated the Company’s Abuja Operations Workplace, directing personnel to the scene in help of ongoing native rescue efforts,” NEMA stated in a press release shared on X on Thursday.
“Search and Rescue (SAR) operations commenced swiftly, resulting in the rescue of 24 passengers alive. Sadly, 14 corpses have to date been recovered, whereas 42 individuals stay lacking as efforts to find and get well them proceed.”
The company emphasised that the rescue operation is ongoing and entails collaboration with a number of stakeholders, together with the Kogi State Emergency Administration Company, the Native Emergency Administration Committee in Ibaji, the Nigeria Safety and Civil Defence Corps, the Nationwide Inland Waterways Authority, the Fireplace Service, the Nigerian Crimson Cross Society, native divers, and neighborhood members.
“The joint effort underscores the significance of multi-agency collaboration in tackling disasters and making certain a well timed response,” NEMA acknowledged. Mr. Zakari Abubakar, Head of the Abuja Operations Workplace, additionally visited the normal ruler of Onugwa neighborhood, Chief Patrick Arome, to commiserate with him and the folks over the tragedy.
The company additional highlighted the necessity for strict compliance with water security rules, together with the usage of life jackets and enforcement of passenger limits on boats. Boat accidents have lengthy been a recurring problem in Nigeria, notably in riverine areas the place waterways are main transport routes. Overcrowding, poorly maintained vessels, and restricted adherence to security rules have beforehand led to quite a few fatalities.
President Bola Tinubu additionally prolonged his condolences to the federal government and folks of Kogi State. In a press release signed by his Adviser on Data and Technique, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as “surprising and unlucky,” noting that the deceased had been on reputable missions to earn a dwelling.
“The President commends the primary responders on the accident scene and urges federal, state, and native emergency responders to step up their efforts to supply wanted help to survivors and victims,” the assertion learn.
He additional known as on water transport operators to prioritise security over revenue and prayed for solace for the bereaved and swift restoration for the injured.
NEMA stated neighborhood divers proceed to help official groups, and updates on the rescue operations will observe as extra info turns into accessible.
