Lokoja, October 2 — At least 26 traders drowned after their boat capsized on the Niger River while traveling from Kogi State to a market in Illushi, Edo State, on Tuesday. The incident, involving an overloaded vessel carrying passengers across the river, prompted emergency response teams from the National Emergency Management Agency to deploy to the scene, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information Kingsley Femi Fanwo confirmed the toll in a statement on X, stating, “Reports indicate that the unfortunate incident has allegedly claimed the lives of not less than 26 passengers.” The accident occurred as the boat navigated the waterway, a common route for local commerce, highlighting ongoing safety risks in Nigeria’s riverine transport.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) informed AFP on Wednesday that search and rescue operations were underway, with teams assessing the site for additional victims or survivors. Authorities noted the boat’s overloading as a likely factor, a recurring issue in the region.
Fanwo urged residents, particularly in riverine communities, to prioritize safety measures, adding, “We call on our people… to always prioritise safety by avoiding overloading and by using life jackets and other precautionary measures whenever they travel by water.”
Similar tragedies have plagued Nigeria’s waterways recently. Last month, a ferry capsized in Niger State after striking a tree stump, drowning at least 32 people. In late August, a boat with around 50 passengers overturned in Sokoto State, killing three and leaving 25 missing. These incidents underscore the need for stricter enforcement of boating regulations and improved infrastructure in flood-prone areas.
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Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
