The aftermath of the devastating boat mishap on the River Niger — which claimed numerous lives of passengers traveling from Onugwa in Ibaji LGA to Ilushi Market in Edo State — has drawn a prompt and compassionate response from the representative of the affected community, Rt. Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly.
In a display of empathetic 
leadership, the Deputy Speaker, who represents the Ibaji State Constituency, visited the affected community on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 — barely a day after the Tuesday evening tragedy. Her visit provided an opportunity to personally commiserate with victims and bereaved families, offering immediate support and solidarity during this painful period of loss and mourning.
Following her on-ground engagement, the Deputy Speaker took decisive legislative action by moving a heartfelt and consequential motion on the floor of the Kogi State House of Assembly on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
The motion not only acknowledged the profound loss suffered by her constituents but also sought to spur tangible government intervention to address the root causes of such recurring tragedies.
After deliberation, the House unanimously adopted the motion and all its prayers — effectively transforming the Deputy Speaker’s representation into an official resolution of the State Assembly.
The Deputy Speaker’s intervention ensures that the pain of the Ibaji people becomes a catalyst for sustainable safety reforms and infrastructural development across riverine communities in Kogi State.
D.S Media Team.
7th October, 2025.
KOGI STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
MOTION ON THE TRAGIC BOAT MISHAP AT ONUGWA IN IBAJI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ON THE 30 SEPTEMBER, 2025 AND THE URGENT NEED FOR THE KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE RELIEF AND SAFEGUARD WATERWAYS ACROSS RIVERINE COMMUNITIES
The Rt. Hon. Speaker, and my distinguished Honourable colleagues;
| bring to your attention, a matter of utmost urgency and gravity; with deep sorrow and regret the tragic boat mishap that occurred on the 30th of September, 2025 on the River Niger in Onugwa, a riverine. community in Ibaji Local Government Area, which resulted in the unfortunate loss of 28 lives, 44 saved/rescued and the disappearance of others still unaccounted for.
The ill-fated boat was reportedly carrying over 80 passengers, including children, women, and traders who were traveling across the River Niger to llushi Market in Edo State for economic and social activities vital to their livelihoods;
Concerned that such incidents are becoming recurrent in Ibaji and other riverine parts of the State due to the absence of proper regulation, inadequate safety measures, non-enforcement of capacity limits, lack of life jackets, and the poor condition of boats and jetties;
| Recognize the critical importance of water transportation in riverine LGAs like lbaji, Bassa, Lokoja, Koton-karfe, and others, where waterways serve as the primary means of movement and commerce for thousands of residents;
Worried that the continued neglect of riverine infrastructure and safety protocols poses an existential threat to the wellbeing of the people and undermines efforts ~ to promote inclusive governance and development across all parts of the State;
I Appreciate the prompt response of Local emergency volunteer, community leaders, and some government agencies in the rescue and recovery efforts, but notes that more coordinated and preventive action is urgently required.
The people of Ibaji L.G.A will greatly appreciate immediate actions to address the ugly incident and demonstrating the state’s commitment to protecting lives of citizens.
PRAYERS
1. Commiserate with the families of the victims of the Onugwa boat mishap and observe a minute of silence in honour of the departed soul
2. Urge the Kogi State Government, through the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Health in partnership with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (HYPPADEC) and other relevant agencies; to immediately come to the aid of the victims and the families of the deceased.
3. Call on the Kogi State Government to develop and implement a waterways safety framework, which shall include:
* Provision of standard life jackets to boat operators and passengers;
* Regular inspection and registration of boat operators and passengers; —
* Enforcement of passenger limits and safety regulations;
* The state government should establish a task force to monitor water safety and enforcement.
* Construction and rehabilitation of modern jetties and waiting bays;
* Establishment of waterways monitoring and rapid response units;
4. Mandate the House Committee on Transport to liaise with relevant MDAs and local authorities in Ibaji and other riverine LGAs to conduct an assessment of water transportation infrastructures and safety conditions and report back with actionable recommendations; also direct all the Local Government authorities in the riverine communities to have a public awareness Campaign on water safety and the importance of adhering to safety regulations (To be conducted on a regular basis).
Appeal to development partners, donor agencies, HYPPADEC and the Federal Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to support Ibaji LGA and the State in enhancing river transport safety and infrastructure in Kogi State
6. Call on traditional rulers, community leaders and boat unions in riverine areas to sensitize their people on water safety practices and cooperate with government efforts to ensure safer waterway transportation.
in conclusion: Rt. Hon. Speaker, my distinguished colleagues,
The loss of innocent lives in the Onugwa Ibaji boat mishap is a wake-up call. The safety and dignity of our riverine citizens must be prioritized.
I urge this Honourable House to support this motion and adopt its prayers to prevent a recurrence, to safeguard lives and welfare of citizens and to ensure that no part of Kogi State is left behind in infrastructure and safety development.
I iso move.
Dated today, the 7 day of October, 2025.
Hon. Comfort Ojoma Egwaba,
Member Representing Ibaji Constituency Kogi State House of Assembly