Claim of 150 bandits perishing in Sokoto river accident is false, says NIWA

The National Inland Waterways Authority has refuted claims that approximately 150 bandits perished in a boat accident in the Sabon Gida area of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

n

Mr Bello Bala, the NIWA Area Manager overseeing the Sokoto Zonal Office, described the report as fictitious during a discussion with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Sokoto.

n

Bala emphasized that the incident never occurred, noting that the river in question is not navigable, and he urged the media to exercise caution when disseminating information and to verify news through credible channels.

n

The NIWA Area Manager assured that the authority is always available to provide clarification and reiterated that NIWA has been collaborating with riverine communities to promote safety measures, including the use of life jackets and adherence to guidelines for water transportation.

n

Bala further stated that if such an incident had indeed taken place, community members would have informed the leaders of the water users’ association, which has not been the case.

n

A source from the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto also corroborated that the report was false, indicating that no such incident occurred in the area.

n

The source, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed that troops are deployed throughout the area and that there have been no reports of a boat capsizing involving bandits.