Eleven people have died in a boat accident on the River Benue, and investigators are now on the ground in Wadata asking exactly how it happened.

Sad news coming out of Benue this week. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has kicked off a full investigation into the boat mishap that claimed 11 lives.

In a statement released on Thursday and signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the bureau confirmed that its Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., led a team to Wadata on Wednesday for an on the spot safety assessment.

It was not just a fly-in visit. According to the bureau, the team went to get first hand accounts from the community, speak to stakeholders, and work out what went wrong, with a clear aim to tighten up safety on Nigeria's inland waterways.

Governor Hyacinth Alia welcomed the team and praised the quick response, but also pushed for a stronger, more permanent NSIB presence in the state to help drive safety advocacy along the River Benue.

Captain Badeh, in turn, restated the bureau's commitment to work with state governments, local communities, operators and regulators. His words: "The NSIB welcomes every opportunity to collaborate... We remain committed to exploring practical avenues for institutionalising safer navigation on the River Benue and across Nigeria's inland waterways."

Speaking to journalists, he offered condolences to the families and the Benue State Government, calling the accident a painful reminder that compliance saves lives.

"Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by this unfortunate accident. Every loss of life is one too many, and while each occurrence presents its own circumstances, many accidents can be prevented through greater safety awareness, responsible operational practices, and stronger collaboration among regulators, operators, and waterway users," he said.

He added that the point of the visit was to listen as much as to investigate: "We are here to listen, learn, and engage directly with those who operate and use these waterways. Safety is a shared responsibility, and sustained public education remains one of the most effective tools for reducing risks."

While in Wadata, the NSIB team sat down with community leaders, residents, boat operators and reps from the Boat Operators Association. Those chats gave investigators eyewitness accounts and a clearer picture of how boats are run day to day, plus the real challenges on the water.

The bureau says what they learn now will feed directly into the ongoing probe and shape future safety recommendations to stop this kind of tragedy happening again.

— story via cbinews.tv

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