The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed more than 10 deaths, 24 rescued passengers, and at least 42 still missing after a boat capsized on the River Niger in Kogi State.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when a boat carrying about 80 passengers left Onugwa community in Ibaji Local Government Area en route to Olushi village, before it sank mid-journey.

In an update on Thursday, NEMA said search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams having so far recovered 14 corpses. Director General Zubaida Umar activated the agency’s Abuja Operations Office to support operations, which also involve community divers, KOSEMA, NIWA, the Red Cross, Civil Defence, and the Fire Service.

“Periodic updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” NEMA said.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government placed the death toll at 26 as of Wednesday. Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the accident as “a heartbreaking loss” and conveyed Governor Usman Ododo’s condolences to the victims’ families.

Governor Ododo also directed state agencies to provide support to affected communities and stressed the need for improved waterway safety measures.

Both NEMA and the state government urged riverine communities to avoid overloading boats and to ensure passengers use life jackets while travelling.