₦airaland Forum

By Enemona Endurance | The Bureau News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow following a boat accident in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State that claimed at least 26 lives on Tuesday. The tragedy, which occurred along the Niger River, involved a vessel carrying traders from Onugwa community to Ilushi market in Edo State.

Eyewitness Accounts of the Tragedy

Eyewitnesses confirmed to The Bureau News that the boat was overloaded with passengers heading to market when it capsized around 4:30 p.m. James Otoga, a local farmer, said over 20 bodies were recovered with more still missing. “The boat was fully loaded with our people going to market for the October 1st celebration. Only five survivors have surfaced yet,” Otoga told journalists.

Presidential Condolences

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the incident as “shocking and unfortunate.” He urged federal, state, and local emergency responders to intensify efforts to assist victims and survivors. The President also pressed water transport operators to prioritize safety over profit, noting that Nigerians should not die while pursuing legitimate livelihoods.

Kogi State’s Response

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to work with local authorities to provide relief measures for families of the victims. The state’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “heartbreaking” and confirmed that at least 26 people had died.

“The government of Kogi State stands with the people of Ibaji LGA and will continue to support them through this difficult time,” Fanwo stated, while urging riverine communities to avoid overloading and adopt safety measures like life jackets.

Recurring Maritime Disasters

Boat accidents remain frequent in Nigeria’s riverine areas, particularly during the rainy season. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) attributes most incidents to poor vessel maintenance, overloading, lack of safety gear, and weak enforcement of maritime laws. In June 2023, over 100 people died when a vessel carrying wedding guests capsized near Pategi, Niger State.

Stay with The Bureau News for continuous updates on national emergencies and government responses.

Source: https://thebureau.com.ng/nigeria-news-today-26-killed-in-kogi-boat-accident-as-tinubu-mourns/

God please come to our rescue in this country of our please.

So sad rest in peace to all.

Our government should more on lives of all Nigerians.

FTC made.

Hear we go...another avoidable disaster

Which way Nigeria

the government have failed this country from all areas of life providing the local with safety jackets is a big problem

So tinubu is now mourning?
When he took office, a private school in jos collapsed and almost all the kids in that building died. No word, I mean nothing from the presidency. Even the wife. So called mother of the nation. One lady lost all her kids.
Nobody visited that site. Election is around the corner. Suddenly, he cares.
Life na turn by turn. It always deliver to both the rich and poor

Topsoul147:
the government have failed this country from all areas of life providing the local with safety jackets is a big problem

That is not the work of the govt. Chanel your anger accordingly.

Topsoul147:
the government have failed this country from all areas of life providing the local with safety jackets is a big problem

Not exactly
The failure is in regulation.
Statistically,most drowning occurs in the inland waterways and not on the high seas,as a result countries where things work makes mandatory to wear life jackets and for the boating companies to provide such.
Failure to provide life jackets for passengers is a criminal offence.

That boat pilot must be held responsible..You don't carry human lives like you are carrying firewood..

This is not just tragedy ..it is criminal

I had a very terrible experience around 2008 on those waters sailing from Ibaji to Idah. They use to over load the local boats with goods mainly drums of local gin that sometimes water will be entering the boat.

May their souls rest in peace.

In Nigeria measures are only ordered only after a mishap and the order is followed only for a few months....

Editorialtimes:
By Enemona Endurance | The Bureau News

Source: https://thebureau.com.ng/nigeria-news-today-26-killed-in-kogi-boat-accident-as-tinubu-mourns/

What is the role of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA in this tragedy

Editorialtimes:
By Enemona Endurance | The Bureau News



Source: https://thebureau.com.ng/nigeria-news-today-26-killed-in-kogi-boat-accident-as-tinubu-mourns/

Tinubu is not mourning he is preparing for second term he no send una

The boats & ferry ⛴️ operators should be given proper orientation that overloading your water transport vehicles for excess profits is a no no, especially now that the water tides have risen due to the rainy season.
Also proper maintenance is equally important.
Condolences to the family of the deceased & quick recovery to survivors.

One thing that is dragging Nigeria backward is lack of regulations on the part of the govt and failure of people to use common sense. When will Nigerian govt get things right? Most avoidable accidents on the road, rail and on water are as a result of failure to implement safety laws and ensure compliance 100%. It is in Nigeria you'll see people travelling from one state to another and be praying to God for journey mercies. Mercies because of kidnappers, road accident etc. All these accidents hardly occur in advanced countries because regulations are in place and duly enforced. Government in Nigeria is a mess and majority of the citizens also don't value their lives.

descarado:
So tinubu is now mourning?
When he took office, a private school in jos collapsed and almost all the kids in that building died. No word, I mean nothing from the presidency. Even the wife. So called mother of the nation. One lady lost all her kids.
Nobody visited that site. Election is around the corner. Suddenly, he cares.
Life na turn by turn. It always deliver to both the rich and poor

Almost intelligent comment, coming from town crowder.

Who overloaded the boat? Who lost?

May the Lord console all the families they left behind in Jesus mighty name.

Na wao, anything that happens in any state is being tied to Tinubu apron, what happened to the Governor and LG chairman where the incident occurs.

descarado:
So tinubu is now mourning?
When he took office, a private school in jos collapsed and almost all the kids in that building died. No word, I mean nothing from the presidency. Even the wife. So called mother of the nation. One lady lost all her kids.
Nobody visited that site. Election is around the corner. Suddenly, he cares.
Life na turn by turn. It always deliver to both the rich and poor

He doesn't have the energy to be travelling up and down, except in a case it will be used against him politically.

That's why we say vote for someone who has good health to an extent

Someone i know said 40 people died in that accident

overall90:
Not exactly
The failure is in regulation.
Statistically,most drowning occurs in the inland waterways and not on the high seas,as a result countries where things work makes mandatory to wear life jackets and for the boating companies to provide such.
Failure to provide life jackets for passengers is a criminal offence.

So who makes the regulations??

Me or government

Who also ensure the enforcement of the regulations?

Me or government 😃

OneCandleAway:
He doesn't have the energy to be travelling up and down, except in a case it will be used against him politically.

That's why we say vote for someone who has good health to an extent

He does not need to travel. Send delegates. Do press conference. Do something. They were kids!

He went to Benue then cos the backlash was too much. And he went there for funfair.

Nigerian politics. Don't know why I am bothered anyway. Not that I will be going to Nigeria anytime soon.

What a tragedy, water took this people's s life. To die in water is very painful.

There is this Federal Government Agency; National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) what have they been doing and what are they doing inland water way transportation ? (Correct me if l am wrong about the workings of this Agency)