A tragic boat mishap occurred on the Niger River in southern Nigeria, resulting in the loss of a minimum of 26 lives as reported by authorities in Kogi State. The incident took place while the boat was transporting traders to the Illushi market in Edo State on the opposite river bank, according to Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the information commissioner for Kogi State. He stated that reports suggest that at least 26 passengers lost their lives in the unfortunate event.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that they have dispatched response teams to the site. Accidents like this are not uncommon on Nigeria’s bustling rivers, often attributed to factors such as overloaded vessels, inadequate maintenance, or non-compliance with safety protocols.
In a similar incident last month, a heavily crowded ferry boat capsized in Niger State, allegedly striking a tree stump, leading to the tragic drowning of at least 32 individuals.