Tinubu, Ododo Mourn as Kogi Boat Tragedy Claims 26 Lives

The death toll from Tuesday’s boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State has risen to 26, the state government confirmed yesterday.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by his Deputy, Joel Salifu, paid a condolence visit to the Ejeh of Ibaji and Chairman of the Ibaji Area Traditional Council. He assured the people that government efforts to rescue remaining victims would continue until fully exhausted.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, earlier disclosed that six more bodies had been recovered in addition to the 20 initially reported.

President Bola Tinubu also commiserated with the government and people of Kogi State over the tragedy. In a statement, the President described the incident as a painful loss and prayed for the repose of the departed souls.

The Ejeh of Ibaji expressed appreciation for the governor’s show of solidarity, describing it as proof of his concern for the people.

The state government has pledged to step up safety measures on waterways to prevent a recurrence.