Not less than 26 persons have been declared dead in a boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The accident involved traders who were travelling from Ibaji Local Government Area to Ilushi market in Edo State.
Kogi State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo has confirmed the incident in a condolence message on behalf of Governor Ahmed Ododo.
Meanwhile,the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in a post on Thursday said search and rescue operations continue.
According to the agency, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when a boat carrying about 80 passengers capsized on the River Niger.
The boat had departed Onugwa community in Ibaji Local Government Area and was heading to Olushi village before it sank’.
“The unfortunate mishap has claimed several lives and left dozens missing,” NEMA said in its update.
The Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, activated the Abuja Operations Office to support ongoing rescue efforts.
