NIWA denies reports of 150 bandits drowning in Sokoto river

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has dismissed claims that about 150 bandits drowned in a boat accident in the Sabon Gida area of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, NIWA Sokoto Zonal Office Area Manager, Mr. Bello Bala, described the report as false. He noted that the river in question is not navigable, emphasizing that no such incident occurred.

Bala urged media outlets to verify information from credible sources before publication and reassured that NIWA is available to provide clarifications when needed.

He also highlighted that the authority continues to engage riverine communities on water safety, including guidelines for using life jackets and other precautions. “If such an incident had occurred, community members would have reported it to water users’ association leaders,” he added.

Supporting NIWA’s statement, a source from the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto confirmed that no such incident had taken place, noting that troops were stationed in the area and no report of a boat capsizing involving bandits had been received.