The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced a probe of the Boat accident that claimed 11 lives in Benue State.

Following the report of the accident, the Director General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., led a team of investigators and senior officials of the Bureau on an on-the-spot safety assessment visit to Wadata, Benue State.

The Bureau explained that the visit was to assess the safety conditions surrounding the accident, gather first-hand information, and engage with key stakeholders as part of its broader commitment to accident prevention and transport safety advocacy.

The Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the NSIB, Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe of NSIB in a statement, said the team met with Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia after commissioning investigative activities and activating family assistance protocols for victims and families affected by the accident.

She also noted that the team went to Wadata along the banks of the River Benue to meet with community leaders, local residents, boat operators, and representatives of the Boat Operators Association.

According to the Bureau, the interactions provided investigators with first-hand accounts of the accident as well as deeper insight into local water transport operations, prevailing safety practices, and operational challenges faced by operators and passengers in the area.

The NSIB noted that findings gathered during the visit will support the Bureau’s evidence-gathering process and contribute to ongoing efforts to determine the factors surrounding the occurrence.

It added that the exercise will also inform future safety recommendations and support broader initiatives aimed at strengthening safety culture across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Governor Alia, while commending NSIB’s swift response, called for stronger and more sustained NSIB presence in Benue State to support ongoing safety advocacy and risk-reduction initiatives along the River Benue.

Alia also stressed the importance of strengthening public awareness, operational safety standards, and stakeholder engagement to improve safety outcomes across the state’s waterways.

Responding, Capt. Badeh Jr, reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to working with state governments and relevant stakeholders to promote safer transportation systems in Benue State and across the country.

He said: “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,” he said.

Capt. Badeh also expressed condolences to the Government and people of Benue State, particularly the families of those who lost loved ones in the accident.

He described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the need for heightened safety consciousness and stronger compliance with safety measures across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

“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 added that the visit was aimed at understanding the circumstances surrounding the accident and also strengthening engagement with communities that rely on water transportation for their daily livelihoods.

“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 and preventing accidents on our waterways”.

The Bureau also pledged its commitment to advancing transportation safety through independent investigations, targeted safety advocacy, and the development of recommendations designed to prevent future occurrences and protect lives across the nation’s transport systems. (The Nation)