At least 54 bodies have been recovered following a boat accident involving about 200 traders in Kogi State.
This update was provided by Justin Uwazuruonye, the Head of Operations for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Kogi, on Saturday.
The accident, which occurred during a night journey along the Dambo-Ebuchi stretch of the River Niger, lacked a manifest, making it difficult to confirm the exact number of passengers.
Reports indicate that none of the passengers wore life jackets.
According to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the traders were en route to a market in Niger State when the boat capsized.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and highlighted the increasing dangers of waterways connecting Kogi and Niger.
He called for enhanced safety measures and inter-agency collaboration to prevent future tragedies.
The governor also pledged support for the injured and promised government assistance for recovery efforts.
Stay tuned to NIGPOST for updates on this heartbreaking incident.
Leave a Reply