- The deceased were said to be returning from where they had gone to write Junior West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams when they drowned
Six teenagers on Tuesday drowned in Ribang village, Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The deceased were said to be returning from where they had gone to write Junior West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams when they drowned in the Mbang River around 5:30 p.m.
The victims are Manasseh Monday (16), Musa John (16), Pius David (15), Monday Ayuba (16), David Danlami (19), and Yahuza Audu (16).
The were students of Government Secondary School Fadan Chawai.
Pastor Simon Ishaku, the National Public Relations Officer of Ribang Development Association, confirmed the incident.
According to him, three bodies have been recovered and buried amidst tears. Currently, three others remain missing as locals have been unable to retrieve them from the river.
He said the River has been a source of misery to the community, adding that the enclave lacks basic social amenities and infrastructure, hence forcing locals to journey far beyond their locality to have access to hospitals and schools.
“The schoolchildren left their homes full of hope and excitement, while their parents went to the farm expecting to reunite with them after their exams, only to face this untimely tragedy.
“The Mbang River has been a danger to our community for years. Before accessing any school or hospital, community members have to travel about 8 kilometers.
“We appeal urgently to the Federal Government, Governor Uba Sani, Senator Sunday Katung, and our House of Representatives members to assist us with schools, hospitals, access roads, and bridges to bring relief to our community,” Simon pleaded.
The police in the State and the State Emergency Management Agency are yet to comment or issue a statement regarding the incident.
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