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Boat Tragedy in Kogi: Death Toll Rises to 26 as State Declares Mourning
LOKOJA, Nigeria (AP) — At least 26 people have died after a boat carrying passengers capsized in Kogi state, authorities said, as families and officials mourned one of the state’s deadliest river accidents in recent years.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The accident happened Tuesday night on the River Niger near Ibaji, a community where many residents rely on boats for daily transport. Officials said the wooden boat was overloaded and traveling in the dark when it overturned.
Emergency workers and local divers recovered bodies through Wednesday. At least a dozen others were rescued, but several passengers are still missing. Authorities fear the toll may rise as the search continues.
Kogi Gov. Usman Ododo expressed grief and declared a period of mourning across the state. “This is a sad day for Kogi. We have lost innocent lives in a tragic accident. Our prayers are with the families,” Ododo said in a statement.
The governor also directed emergency agencies to speed up rescue efforts and provide support for survivors. Local hospitals in Idah and Ibaji reported receiving several injured passengers, some in critical condition.
Witnesses said the boat was carrying traders, women, and children returning from a market. “There were too many people inside. The river was rough. Suddenly the boat sank,” said Musa Ibrahim, a local fisherman who helped in the rescue.
Boat mishaps are common in parts of Nigeria where rivers serve as major transport routes. Many boats are poorly maintained, lack safety equipment, and are often overloaded. Night travel, which is riskier due to poor visibility, is also a frequent cause of accidents.
President Bola Tinubu, through his spokesperson, offered condolences to the people of Kogi. He called for stricter enforcement of safety rules to prevent future tragedies. “The loss of lives is painful and avoidable,” Tinubu said.
The National Inland Waterways Authority, which regulates river transport in Nigeria, said it had dispatched officials to investigate. “We are looking into the immediate cause and will take action to ensure compliance with safety regulations,” the agency said.
Community leaders in Ibaji appealed for government support, saying poor infrastructure forces residents to depend heavily on unsafe boats. “We cross the river almost every day because roads are bad. If we had better bridges and safer boats, this would not happen,” said Chief John Edegbo, a village elder.
Rescue operations have been difficult due to strong currents and limited equipment. Local volunteers using wooden canoes joined in the search. Authorities said divers will continue combing the river for missing persons over the next few days.
The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency urged families to report missing relatives and promised financial assistance for burial and medical expenses. “We know the pain of losing loved ones. The government will not leave victims’ families alone in this tragedy,” said its director, Funmilayo Adesina.
In recent years, Nigeria has recorded several deadly boat accidents. In 2023, more than 100 people died when a boat capsized in Kwara state. Experts say enforcement of passenger limits, provision of life jackets, and restrictions on night travel could reduce the risks.
For now, the people of Ibaji and surrounding towns are holding mass prayers and burials. Community members say the tragedy has cast a shadow over the farming and fishing settlements that line the river.
“This disaster has broken our hearts,” said Ibrahim, the fisherman. “We pray this will never happen again.”
The death toll of 26 makes this one of the deadliest accidents in Kogi’s history. With search efforts ongoing, officials warn the number could rise.
Popular Nigerian TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat, aka Peller, has quit Caleb University just days after resuming classes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a voice note that went viral, Peller said the traditional classroom routine didn’t fit his lifestyle, especially compared to the earnings he makes from content creation. He added that long lectures, note-taking, and being surrounded by older classmates left him mentally exhausted.
He joked he might return to university only in his 30s or 40s, explaining, “I am tired. I need a break from the classroom environment.”
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has slammed Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection to the APC, calling it a betrayal driven by personal survival rather than the interests of Kano people.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Buba Galadima, Secretary of the NNPP Board of Trustees, told Arise News that aligning with former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, a longtime rival of NNPP leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, undermined the very movement that brought Yusuf to power.
Galadima said, “This defection is about his personal interest, not Kano’s. If he had moved to any party other than APC, we could have understood it. But this is purely survival.”
Recalling the effort behind Yusuf’s gubernatorial victory, Galadima added, “Kwankwaso and I worked day and night for him to win. Seeing him raise hands with Ganduje is bitter—he abandoned the principles that sustained him.”
He insisted Yusuf had already lost grassroots support in Kano and claimed, “If there were a free election today, he wouldn’t get five per cent of the votes.”
Despite the setback, Galadima vowed that the NNPP would survive, asserting, “What stopped God from performing a miracle before cannot stop Him again.”
Nigerian footballers across Europe are gearing up for crucial UEFA Champions League group-stage matches tonight, January 28, as clubs fight to keep their continental dreams alive.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Osimhen’s Galatasaray Faces Tough Test
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen leads the spotlight as his team travels to Manchester City. The Turkish side is perilously close to elimination, and any slip could end their Champions League campaign. Currently 17th in the standings with 10 points from seven matches, Galatasaray needs a disciplined performance to stay in the hunt. Osimhen, who has scored six goals in five appearances, has urged his team to “make a statement in the most prestigious games.”
Lookman Chasing Top-Eight Finish
Ademola Lookman and Atalanta still hope to finish in the top eight, but last week’s 3-2 defeat to Athletic Bilbao left no room for error. Sitting on 13 points with a +1 goal difference, Atalanta travel to Union Saint-Gilloise knowing only a win will keep their top-eight ambitions alive. Lookman, in fine form after the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, has contributed one goal and two assists in six appearances this season.
Tella and Leverkusen on the Edge
Nathan Tella’s Bayer Leverkusen are also in a precarious position. With nine points and 20th place in their group, the German side must beat Villarreal—or hope for favorable results elsewhere—to secure a play-off spot. Their slim goal difference means even a draw might not suffice.
Onyedika, Onyemaechi, and Narrow Margins
Raphael Onyedika’s Club Brugge face Marseille in a must-win clash, sitting 27th with seven points. Qualification will also depend on results from other groups. Meanwhile, Bruno Onyemaechi could feature for Olympiacos, who occupy the final qualifying spot with eight points. The Greek side need at least a draw at Ajax and will monitor goal difference closely.
Ilenikhena Eyes More History at Monaco
At Monaco, 19-year-old George Ilenikhena faces a pivotal night. Sitting 21st with nine points, Monaco must win at home against Juventus to strengthen their qualification chances. Ilenikhena recently became the youngest African player to reach 15 Champions League appearances, surpassing Kanu Nwankwo at just 19 years and 157 days.
Tonight’s fixtures promise drama and high stakes for Nigeria’s football stars across Europe, as each club battles for survival or progression in the Champions League.
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