Benue Boat Accident Leaves Six Family Members Among the Victims – NIWA

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed that a family of six was among the victims of a weekend boat accident in Makurdi, Benue State, which claimed 11 lives.

NIWA’s Area Manager in Makurdi, Mr. Andrew Ndahi, revealed the information after conducting a fact‑finding visit to the Daudu‑Dauda settlement, an island community located behind the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME) where the incident took place.

Ndahi said the tragedy resulted from violations of safety regulations, including night sailing, operating in adverse weather conditions, and using a faulty vessel.

He noted that preliminary findings showed the wooden boat departed at about 7 p.m., outside NIWA’s approved operating hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ndahi also reported that the operator ignored warnings against sailing during heavy rainfall and strong winds, even though the vessel reportedly had engine faults.

He said that approximately 22 passengers were on board at the time of the incident.

According to Ndahi, 11 persons were rescued alive, while nine bodies had been recovered and buried. One passenger remains missing as search and rescue operations continue.

He added that the boat operator has not been seen since the incident.

The NIWA official reiterated that inland waterway regulations prohibit night navigation and require operators to suspend movement during storms or severe weather conditions.

He also stressed the compulsory use of life jackets by all passengers and crew members, warning that compliance remains essential to prevent avoidable tragedies.

Ndahi said the agency would intensify sensitisation campaigns in riverine communities to improve awareness of safety guidelines and reduce future incidents.

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