By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Ibaji community in Kogi State has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the infrastructural neglect that continues to endanger lives in the area, following last Sunday’s tragic boat mishap which claimed more than 36 lives.
The appeal was made under the banner of the Coterie of Ibaji Youths of Nigeria (COIYN), in a statement signed by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Tony Edike, and National Coordinator, Jerry Nwuchola, on Saturday in Lokoja.
According to the group, the ill-fated wooden boat was conveying over 80 traders from Ibaji to Ilushi Market in Edo State when it capsized, throwing the passengers into the River Niger and resulting in heavy casualties.
COIYN attributed the tragedy to decades of infrastructural neglect, noting that the absence of roads and a standard local market has forced residents to depend on risky boat journeys to sell their farm produce in neighbouring states.
“Despite being a major producer of rice, yam, cassava, fish, and vegetables, Ibaji has no electricity, asphalted roads, modern schools, or health facilities. Our people are compelled to embark on perilous boat trips to sell their goods. We passionately appeal to the Federal Government to construct a centrally located modern market in Ibaji worthy of the contribution our people make to the national economy,” the statement read.
The group also urged the Federal Government to revive the abandoned Idah–Ibaji–Otuocha Federal Highway project, stressing that the road would not only save lives but also reduce travel time from Anambra to Abuja while boosting commerce in the region.
COIYN further called on President Tinubu to honour the victims of the tragedy by ensuring that such infrastructural gaps are urgently addressed.
“Your Excellency Sir, we acknowledge your Renewed Hope Agenda. Hope is our lifeline, not a slogan. We urge you, as the father of our nation, to immortalise the innocent souls lost by ensuring that such needless bloodshed never recurs due to neglect,” the statement added.
President Tinubu had earlier described the incident as “shocking and unfortunate” while commiserating with the government and people of Kogi State.
Community leaders believe that constructing a modern produce market and rehabilitating the highway would prevent future tragedies, stimulate commercial activities, and create employment opportunities for Ibaji’s largely agrarian population.