At least two people tragically drowned in a recent boat mishap within the Ipoki local government area of Ogun State, located in the Ogun West senatorial district.
The State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the occurrence in a statement released in Abeokuta, the state capital.
According to Odutola, the police command received notification of this unfortunate event at the Ipokia Division on September 12, 2024, around 7:00 AM.
The victims, identified as Awhanse Jimoh and Ahohe Jimoh from Ilepa Village in Ipokia, were reported to the Divisional Police Officer as two wood merchants who had been drawn into a river, as stated by Odutola.
“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 when the incident occurred.
“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 river bank.
“Tragically, Ahohe Seido and Dogbon were unable to survive the incident, and despite extensive search efforts by divers, their bodies have not been recovered,” she noted.
The police spokesperson indicated that community divers are actively participating in continuous search and rescue efforts to find the missing persons.
Additionally, an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the specifics of the boat accident and to validate the accounts given by the two survivors.
