Six teenagers who were returning from writing their Junior West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams drowned in the Mbang River on Tuesday 25 June 2024 in Ribang (Mbang) village, Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
They drowned at around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday while returning from the WAEC centre.
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, sitting for the West African Junior School Examination.
Pastor Simon Ishaku, the National Public Relations Officer of Ribang Development Association, confirmed the incident. He disclosed that 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.
“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.
When contacted, Mubarak Muhammad, the Zonal Coordinator of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency Zone One, stated he would confirm the incident.
The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, did not respond to calls and text messages.
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