NIWA confirms 11 dead, 7 missing in Benue boat mishap

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) yesterday confirmed that 11 died in the boat mishap that occurred on River Bukuru in Benue State and not 18 as earlier reported by a section of the media.

The organisation in a statement in Lokoja said 12 of the passengers in the boat were also rescued by divers.

The statement signed by the NIWA’s General Manager in charge of corporate affairs, Mr Tayo Fadile, said seven of the passengers were still missing. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said yesterday it was investigating an alleged defilement of a minor by one of its officers currently serving with the Special Forces Battalion Detachment at Dalwa in Borno State.

reported on October 25, 2018

“The search for the seven remaining bodies is ongoing,” Fadile said. According to the statement, 18 of the motorcycles on board have also been recovered. It said that it’s Area Manager in charge of Benue State, Mr Danjuma Mohammed had visited the scene of the accident for an on the spot assessment and report.

NIWA said the boat was overloaded as it was used to ferry 30 passengers against standard practice.

NAF probes alleged sexual abuse by officer

that an officer allegedly defiled a 14-year-old girl at an IDP camp.

NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, in a statement yesterday, said the matter was already being investigated and any NAF personnel found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant statutes.