The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has refuted viral claims that about 150 bandits lost their lives in a boat accident in Sabon Gida, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, describing the report as untrue.
The Sokoto Zonal Area Manager, Bello Bala, clarified that no such incident took place, pointing out that the river mentioned in the report is not suitable for navigation. He cautioned media outlets against spreading unverified information and encouraged proper fact-checking before publication, noting that the agency is always available to provide accurate updates.
He added that NIWA has continued to sensitise communities along waterways on safety measures, including compliance with regulations and the use of life jackets. According to him, any incident of that magnitude would have been promptly reported by local residents and water transport stakeholders.
Corroborating this, a source within the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army also dismissed the report as false, stating that troops stationed in the area have not recorded any case of a boat mishap involving bandits.
