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.