The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has dismissed reports claiming that about 150 bandits drowned in a boat mishap at Sabon Gida in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, describing the information as false.
The NIWA Area Manager for the Sokoto Zonal Office, Mr Bello Bala, refuted the claim in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Sokoto.
He stated that no such incident occurred, noting that the river allegedly involved is not navigable and could not have supported such activity.
Bala urged media organisations and the public to exercise caution and verify information from credible sources before dissemination, adding that NIWA remains available to clarify issues related to inland waterways.
He further explained that the authority has continued to sensitise riverine communities on safety measures, including adherence to guidelines, use of life jackets, and responsible water transportation practices.
According to him, in the event of any such occurrence, it would have been promptly reported through local water users’ associations and community leaders.
Similarly, a source from the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the report was unfounded.
The source noted that troops are actively deployed across the affected areas and that there had been no record of any boat mishap involving bandits.
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