By Gold Ogine
A TRAGIC boat mishap on Friday in Kogi State has left over 160 passengers feared dead along the Dambo-Ebuchi waterways in Kupa Local Government Area.
Rescue teams managed to save 24 survivors, while scores remain unaccounted for.
Eyewitnesses report that the boat, reportedly overloaded, capsized during its journey on the River Niger, leaving passengers stranded in the turbulent waters.
Families of the missing have gathered at the scene, anxiously awaiting updates.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has launched an immediate investigation into the accident.
The IGP also highlighted the need for actionable safety strategies to prevent such incidents and improve waterway transport systems.
Search and rescue efforts have intensified, with the Nigeria Police Force coordinating resources and collaborating with local agencies to locate survivors.
The IGP also urged waterway operators to comply with safety measures, pledging justice for victims and strengthened preventive actions to avoid future tragedies.
