In a tragic incident, six teenagers drowned in the Mbang river near Ribang (Mbang) village, Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The unfortunate event occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, as the teenagers were returning from a Junior WAEC exam.
The victims have been identified as:
1. Manasseh Monday (16 years)
2. Musa John (16 years)
3. Pius David (15 years)
4. Monday Ayuba (16 years)
5. David Danlami (19 years)
6. Yahuza Audu (16 years)
All were students at Government Secondary School Fadan Chawai who were writing the West African Junior School Examination.
Pastor Simon Ishaku, the National Public Relations Officer of Ribang Development Association, confirmed the incident to the press on Wednesday. According to Ishaku, three bodies have been recovered and buried, while three remain missing as local efforts to recover them from the river continue.
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Ishaku lamented the ongoing danger posed by the Mbang river, which has claimed numerous lives over the years. He highlighted the challenges faced by the community, noting that residents must travel approximately 8 kilometers to access schools or medical facilities.
Ishaku called on the Federal Government, Governor Uba Sani, Senator Sunday Katung, and local representatives to urgently provide the community with essential infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, access roads, and bridges to prevent further tragedies.
The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
However, the Zonal Coordinator of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency Zone One, Mubarak Muhammad, stated that he would verify the details and provide an official statement soon.
