Benue Boat Mishap: Family of six among victims – NIWA

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File image of a boat mishap

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By Peter Duru, Makurdi

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The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed that a family of six was among victims of a weekend boat accident in Makurdi, Benue State, which claimed 11 lives.

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The NIWA Area Manager in Makurdi, Mr. Andrew Ndahi, disclosed this after a fact-finding visit to Daudu-Dauda settlement, an island community behind the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), where the incident occurred.

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Ndahi attributed the tragedy to violations of safety regulations, including night sailing, operation during adverse weather conditions, and the use of a faulty vessel.

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According to him, preliminary findings showed that the wooden boat departed at about 7 p.m., contrary to NIWA’s approved operating hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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He also said the operator ignored warnings against sailing during heavy rainfall and strong winds, despite the vessel reportedly having engine faults.

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He stated that about 22 passengers were on board at the time of the incident.

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Ndahi said 11 persons were rescued alive, while nine bodies had been recovered and buried, adding that one passenger was still missing as search and rescue operations continued.

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He further disclosed that the boat operator had not been seen since the incident.

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The NIWA official reiterated that inland waterway regulations prohibit night navigation and require operators to suspend movement during storms or severe weather conditions.

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He also stressed the compulsory use of life jackets by all passengers and crew members, warning that compliance remains essential to prevent avoidable tragedies.

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Ndahi added that the agency would intensify sensitisation campaigns in riverine communities to improve awareness of safety guidelines and reduce future incidents.

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