Tragedy struck in Ribang (Mbang) village, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as six teenagers drowned in the Mbang river on Tuesday while returning from their Junior WAEC exams. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m.
The victims, all students of Government Secondary School Fadan Chawai, were identified as Manasseh Monday (16), Musa John (16), Pius David (15), Monday Ayuba (16), David Danlami (19), and Yahuza Audu (16).
Pastor Simon Ishaku, the National Public Relations Officer of the Ribang Development Association, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online via telephone on Wednesday. He revealed that three bodies have been recovered and buried, while three others remain missing as locals continue their search efforts.
“The students left their homes hopeful and excited to write their exams. Their parents, who had gone to the farm, were expecting to reunite with them afterward, but instead, they met with this tragedy,” Ishaku said.
He highlighted that the Mbang river has posed a significant danger to the community over the years. To access schools or hospitals, residents must travel approximately 8 kilometers. Ishaku called on the Federal Government, Governor Uba Sani, Senator Sunday Katung, and their House of Representatives members to urgently provide the community with schools, hospitals, access roads, and a bridge to prevent future tragedies.
Attempts to reach the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, for comments were unsuccessful as calls and text messages went unanswered. The Zonal Coordinator of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency Zone One, Mubarak Muhammad, indicated he would confirm the incident but had not responded by the time of publication.
