Two wood merchants have been rescued and two others are missing after a boat capsized in the Gbodo Jego River in Ijofin, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident occurred on Thursday at about 7:00 p.m.
The victims, identified as Ahohe Seido and Dogbon, alongside the survivors, Awhanse Jimoh and Ahohe Jimoh, were said to be transporting firewood to Benin Republic for sale.
Confirming the incident, Spokesperson of the Ogun Police Command, Omolola Odutola, said the command was informed about the incident by the survivors.
According to them, their boat capsized due to an unexpectedly strong current, causing everyone on the boat to fall into the water. Despite intensive search efforts by divers, the bodies of the missing individuals have yet to be found.
She said, “A report of a tragic incident was received at the Ipokia Division on September 12, 2024, at about 7:00 a.m. Two individuals, identified as Awhanse Jimoh M and Ahohe Jimoh M from Ilepa Village in Ipokia, reported to the Divisional Police Officer.
“The duo are wood merchants by profession. According to their account, two other individuals, Ahohe Seido and a person known only by the alias Dogbon, were transporting firewood along the Gbodo Jego River in Ijofin, Ipokia, Ogun State, on their way to Benin Republic for sale.
“During their journey across the river, an unexpectedly strong current caused their boat to overturn, leading to everyone onboard falling into the water. Despite rescue efforts, only two individuals were saved and brought to the riverbank.”
Odutola stated that investigations are ongoing to clarify the specifics of the boat accident and validate the statements made by the two survivors.
