The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced a formal probe into the boat accident in Wadata, Benue State that claimed 11 lives, with Director General Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. leading investigators to the crash site on Thursday for an on-the-spot assessment.
According to a press release signed by Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, the Bureau’s team activated investigative activities and family assistance protocols immediately on arrival in Makurdi.
The visit is aimed at gathering first-hand evidence, understanding the circumstances of the accident, and identifying factors that led to the tragedy.
Capt. Badeh and his team were received by Benue Deputy Governor, Dr. Samuel Ode, who stood in for Governor Hyacinth Alia. The NSIB delegation later met with Governor Alia after commissioning the investigation at the scene.
Governor Alia commended NSIB’s swift response but called for a stronger and sustained presence of the Bureau in Benue, urgi6 the agency to deepen safety advocacy and risk-reduction initiatives along River Benue, citing the need for better public awareness, higher operational standards, and closer engagement with boat operators.
“The NSIB welcomes every opportunity to collaborate with state governments, local communities, operators, and regulators in advancing transport safety. We remain committed to exploring practical avenues for institutionalising safer navigation on the River Benue and across Nigeria’s inland waterways,” Capt. Badeh said during a media briefing.
The NSIB DG expressed condolences to the government and families of the victims, describing the accident as “a painful reminder of the need for heightened safety consciousness and stronger compliance with safety measures across Nigeria’s inland waterways.”
“Every loss of life is one too many. 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.
After Government House engagements, investigators moved to Wadata on the banks of River Benue. There they met community leaders, residents, boat operators, and representatives of the Boat Operators Association to obtain eyewitness accounts and assess prevailing safety practices and operational challenges.
NSIB said findings from the visit will support its evidence-gathering process and inform safety recommendations to prevent recurrence. The Bureau reiterated its mandate to conduct independent investigations and issue recommendations aimed at protecting lives across Nigeria’s transport systems.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, the agency stated.