The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has dismissed reports alleging that about 150 bandits drowned in a boat mishap in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The Area Manager of NIWA’s Sokoto Zonal Office, Bello Bala, described the claim as false and misleading during an interview on Monday in Sokoto.
According to Bala, no such incident occurred, stressing that the river mentioned in the report is not navigable, making the claim highly unlikely.
He urged media organisations and the public to exercise caution and verify information from credible sources before dissemination, adding that NIWA remains accessible for clarification on waterway-related issues.
Bala further noted that the authority has continued to sensitise riverine communities on safety practices, including adherence to guidelines, use of life jackets, and proper waterway usage.
He added that in the event of any such incident, it would have been promptly reported by local community members and water users’ association leaders.
Meanwhile, a source from the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto also refuted the report, confirming that no such occurrence was recorded.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that troops are actively deployed across the area and there had been no reports of any boat mishap involving bandits.
Margaret ABAH
