Reports of 150 bandits drowning in a boat mishap at Sabon Gida area in Sokoto State have been dismissed as false by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). According to sources, the alleged incident never occurred, and the river in question is not navigable. This information was confirmed by Mr Bello Bala, NIWA Area Manager in charge of Sokoto Zonal Office, who urged the media to verify news from credible sources before publication. Bala emphasized the importance of community engagement in promoting safety measures, including the use of life jackets and adherence to guidelines.
The Nigerian Army's 8 Division in Sokoto has also corroborated NIWA's statement, with a source confirming that there was no report of a boat capsizing incident involving bandits in the area. The source noted that troops were present in the region and would have been aware of any such incident.
NIWA has been working with riverine communities to promote safety awareness and guidelines for water usage.
The recent debunking of reports of bandits drowning in a Sokoto boat mishap highlights the need for responsible journalism and verification of information. NIWA's efforts to engage with riverine communities on safety measures are commendable, and it is essential that the media supports these initiatives by promoting fact-based reporting. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accuracy in reporting, particularly in situations where misinformation can have serious consequences.
