By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
No fewer than 20 passengers were feared killed in a boat mishap on the River Niger with many others still missing on Wednesday.
The boat was carrying passengers from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State en route to a market in Edo State on Tuesday when the accident occurred.
The boat, which departed from Onugwa and was headed to Ilushi, sank midway between the settlements of Okpu and Odumomo.
At least 20 bodies have been recovered from the river, while many more are feared dead or missing.
Six people have been identified as survivors of the incident.
The boat was reportedly carrying mostly traders, including children and women, who were traveling to the market to prepare for Independence Day celebrations.
The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined, but overloading and poor safety measures are potential contributing factors.
Local divers and emergency responders are working to recover more bodies and search for survivors.
Family members of those who came for a burial ceremony in Onugwa and boarded the ill-fated boat are still searching for their loved ones.
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident, with efforts ongoing to determine whether the accident occurred on the Kogi or Edo State side of the river.
