Report of 150 Bandits Dying in Alleged Sokoto Boat Accident, False – NIWA

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has dismissed as false a viral report claiming that about 150 bandits drowned in a boat accident in Sabon Gida area of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns over the spread of misinformation, particularly in regions grappling with insecurity.

Speaking in Sokoto on Monday, the NIWA Area Manager for the Sokoto Zonal Office, Bello Bala, described the report as unfounded and misleading. He stated that no such incident occurred and noted that the river referenced in the report is not even navigable, making the claim highly improbable.

Bala urged media organisations and members of the public to verify information before dissemination, stressing that inaccurate reports could create unnecessary panic and undermine public confidence.

He explained that NIWA maintains close engagement with riverine communities and water users’ associations, adding that any incident involving waterways would typically be reported through established local channels.

“We are always available to provide accurate information. Reports of such magnitude cannot go unnoticed by communities or authorities,” he said.

The denial was corroborated by a source within the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division in Sokoto, who confirmed that troops stationed across the area had no record of any boat mishap involving suspected bandits.

Sokoto State, like several parts of Nigeria’s North-West, has experienced persistent security challenges linked to armed banditry, including attacks on communities, kidnappings and clashes with security forces. However, authorities warn that false reports can complicate security operations and mislead the public.

The incident underscores the growing challenge of misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space, where unverified claims can quickly gain traction on social media platforms.

Officials have called for greater responsibility among information disseminators, emphasising the need for reliance on credible sources, particularly when reporting on sensitive issues such as security and public safety.