Tragedy struck in Ribang (Mbang) village, Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, as six teenagers drowned in the Mbang river on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. while the students were returning from their Junior WAEC exams.
The victims, identified as Manasseh Monday (16), Musa John (16), Pius David (15), Monday Ayuba (16), David Danlami (19), and Yahuza Audu (16), were students of Government Secondary School Fadan Chawai.
Pastor Simon Ishaku, the National Public Relations Officer of Ribang Development Association, confirmed the incident via telephone on Wednesday. He revealed that three bodies had been recovered and buried amid tears, while three others remain missing.
“These school children left their homes full of hope and excitement while their parents went to the farm, expecting to reunite with them after their exams. Instead, they met their untimely deaths,” Ishaku said.
He highlighted that the Mbang river has long been a hazard for the community. Residents must travel about 8 kilometers to access schools or hospitals.
“We urgently call on the Federal Government, Governor Uba Sani, Senator Sunday Katung, and our House of Representatives members to assist us with schools, hospitals, access roads, and a bridge to alleviate our suffering,” Simon appealed.
The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, did not respond to calls and text messages regarding the incident as of the time of reporting.
Similarly, the Zonal Coordinator of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency Zone One, Mubarak Muhammad, was contacted but had not provided confirmation at the time of publication.
