The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the boat accident that claimed 11 lives in Benue State, with Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. leading a team to Wadata along the River Benue for an on-the-spot assessment.
According to the bureau, the visit aims to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, gather first-hand accounts from affected communities and stakeholders, and strengthen safety measures on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia commended the NSIB’s swift response and called for a stronger and sustained presence of the bureau in the state to support safety advocacy and risk reduction efforts along the River Benue.
Badeh expressed condolences to the families of the victims and described the incident as a painful reminder of the need for greater compliance with safety regulations, noting that many accidents can be prevented through increased awareness and responsible operational practices.
He said the bureau’s mission was not only to investigate the accident but also to engage communities that rely heavily on water transport, stressing that safety remains a shared responsibility among regulators, operators and users.
During the visit, NSIB investigators met community leaders, residents, boat operators and representatives of the Boat Operators Association, obtaining eyewitness accounts and insights into local transport operations and safety challenges.
The bureau said information gathered during the assessment would support its ongoing investigation and guide future recommendations aimed at preventing similar accidents on Nigeria’s waterways.
