By joshua 
ACHUBA MOURNS VICTIMS OF ONUGWA BOAT MISHAP
The former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Elder Simon Achuba has extended his heartfelt condolences to his people (Ibaji) and families of victims of Onugwa boat mishap that claimed over 26 lives ( as at last count) on Tuesday, 30th September, 2025.
Home report indicated that the mishap occurred on the River Niger between Onugwa village in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State and Ilushi (Ojigono) in Edo State, at about 4:30 pm on Tuesday, with many passengers, including farmers, traders and visitors onboard, heading for Ilushi market. 26 corpses were recovered few hours after the incident while others are still declared missing.
But the former Deputy Governor, in his condolence message, described the incidence as huge loss to Kogi state, ibaji Local Government Area and Onugwa village in particular.
He expressed sadness that, many people who boarded the ill-fated boat with the hope of rejoining their families after the selling and buying in the market, are now lying lifeless beneath the river Niger.
Achuba used the opportunity to call on the state government to listen to the cry of Ibaji people and construct their road for easy access to neighbouring communities, and for commercial activities.
He argued that the 13% derivation since Kogi made the list of oil producing state is enough to build Ibaji road, hoping that the Kogi state government will act responsibly on the issue.
He further enjoined engine boat owners in the area to always put safety measures first in their day-to-day running of their engine boat businesses, while consoling the affected families in the incident.
Achuba who prayed God to grant the victims families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, also extended his condolences to the traditional ruler of Onugwa, the Onu Ibaji, HRH, Chief John Egwemi , the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Ugeh and the entire Ibaji community.
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