Another Boat Mishap Claims 14 Lives, 42 Still Missing -NEMA

Nigeria has recorded another boat mishap, which has claimed 14 lives, with 42 passengers still missing, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported.

The agency said 24 passengers were rescued in the boat mishap which occurred on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State.

NEMA gave the details in a post shared on X on Thursday, stating that the Tuesday incident involved a boat carrying about 80 passengers travelling from Onugwa community to Olushi village in Ibaji LGA.

NEMA stated, “According to reports, the incident happened at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, when a boat carrying about 80 passengers capsized while en route to Olushi village after departing from Onugwa community in Ibaji LGA.

“Upon receiving the report, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, immediately activated the Agency’s Abuja Operations Office, directing it to deploy personnel to the scene of the tragedy in support of ongoing local rescue efforts. The deployment underscores NEMA’s resolve to provide timely intervention and strengthen coordination with state and community responders.

“Search and Rescue (SAR) operations commenced swiftly, leading to the rescue of 24 passengers alive. Sadly, 14 corpses have so far been recovered, while 42 persons remain missing as efforts to locate and recover them continue.”

NEMA said relevant agencies were responding adequately to the boat mishap, even as community divers are actively assisting official rescue teams.

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The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency; the Local Emergency Management Committee, Ibaji; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the National Inland Waterways Authority; the Fire Service; the Nigerian Red Cross Society; local divers; and community members, NEMA stated, are all helping rescue efforts.

“The joint effort underscores the importance of multi-agency collaboration in tackling disasters and ensuring a timely response.

“The NEMA response team, led by the Head of Abuja Operations Office, Mr. Zakari Abubakar, has also visited the traditional ruler of Onugwa community, Chief Patrick Arome, and commiserated with him and the people over the tragic incident.

“The tragedy further highlights the urgent need for strict compliance with water safety regulations, including the use of life jackets and enforcement of passenger limits on boats,” it added.