The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced a full-scale investigation into the boat accident that claimed 11 lives in Benue State.

The investigation team is led by the Director-General, NSIB, Alex Badeh Jr., a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the bureau, Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe has said.

The statement hinted that the NSIB delegation arrived in Makurdi on Wednesday for an on-the-spot safety assessment following the accident at Wadata along the River Benue, as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the mishap and prevent future occurrences.

During the visit, the team activated family assistance protocols for victims and their relatives while also engaging key stakeholders in the state’s water transport sector.

The delegation was received by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ode, on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia, before the team proceeded to a meeting with the governor.

Alia commended the bureau’s swift response to the incident and called for a stronger and more permanent NSIB presence in the state to support safety advocacy and risk-reduction efforts along the River Benue.

The governor stressed the need for improved public awareness, stricter operational safety standards and enhanced stakeholder engagement to reduce accidents on the state’s waterways.

In his response, Badeh Jr., reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to collaborating with State governments and other stakeholders to improve transportation safety across the country.

According to him, the NSIB was committed to working with local communities, operators and regulators to institutionalise safer navigation practices on the River Benue and other inland waterways.

The Director-General also expressed condolences to the government and people of Benue State, particularly the families of the victims.

He described the accident as a tragic reminder of the need for greater safety consciousness and compliance with established safety measures in inland water transportation.

He said: “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.”

The NSIB boss explained that the visit was not only aimed at gathering facts about the accident, but also at strengthening engagement with communities that depend heavily on water transportation for their livelihoods.

As part of the investigation, the NSIB team visited Wadata on the banks of the River Benue, where it held discussions with community leaders, residents, boat operators and representatives of the Boat Operators Association.

The interactions, the statement said provided investigators with first-hand accounts of the incident and insights into local water transport operations, prevailing safety practices and challenges faced by operators and passengers.