Sokoto State in Northwest Nigeria is notorious for kidnapping and banditry activities
National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has refuted widespread claims that about 150 suspected bandits died in a boat accident in the Sabon Gida area of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Speaking on Monday in Sokoto, the NIWA Area Manager overseeing the Sokoto Zonal Office, Bello Bala, described the report as entirely false.
He clarified that no such incident occurred in the area.
According to Bala, the river referenced in the viral report is not even navigable, making the claims highly improbable.
He urged journalists and media organisations to prioritise accuracy by verifying information through credible channels before publication.
Bala also assured that NIWA remains accessible to provide clarifications whenever necessary.
The NIWA official further noted that the agency has continued its outreach to riverine communities, focusing on water safety practices, including the use of life jackets and adherence to operational guidelines.
He added that in the event of any real accident, local residents and water users’ associations would typically alert relevant authorities promptly.
*Army Also Faults Report*
Corroborating NIWA’s position, a source within the 8th Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto also dismissed the report as unfounded.
The source, who requested anonymity, stated that troops are actively deployed across the affected areas and no incident involving a capsized boat carrying bandits had been reported.
The military source emphasised that there had been no record of such an occurrence from any location within their operational coverage.
NAN
