The National Inland Waterways Authority has dismissed reports claiming that about 150 bandits drowned in a boat accident in the Sabon Gida area of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
Mr Bello Bala, NIWA’s Area Manager for the Sokoto Zonal Office, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday that the report is false. He explained that the river mentioned in the report is not navigable.
“There was no such incident,” Bala said. “If it had happened, community members would have immediately reported it to the water users’ association leaders.”
Bala urged media outlets to verify information before publication to avoid spreading misinformation.
He emphasised that NIWA is committed to educating riverine communities on safety measures, including the use of life jackets and other guidelines for water transportation.
A source from the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed that the report is untrue, adding that troops stationed in the area had not received any report of a boat capsizing involving bandits.
“We can confirm that no such boat mishap occurred in the Sabon Gida area,” the source said.
NIWA and security authorities continue to monitor waterways and ensure the safety of riverine communities across Sokoto State.
