Tragic Incident: Six Students Drown Returning Home After JSSC Exams in Kaduna
In a heart-wrenching tragedy, six students from Government Secondary School, Fadan Chawai, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, drowned on Wednesday while returning home after writing their Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination (JSSC).
The students, hailing from Ribang community, were crossing a river that links their community to Fadan Chawai when the incident occurred. According to Mr. Ishaya Chingali, community leader in Chawai and Vice President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), a total of 11 students attempted to cross the river, with six drowning and five managing to survive.
“Six of them drowned, five survived,” Chingali told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Four bodies have been recovered, while the search for the remaining two continues. “They tried to cross the river as they have done several times before, but unfortunately, six of them drowned in the process,” he added.
Yohanna Gwall, President of the Ribang Development Association, identified the deceased as Manasseh Monday, Musa John, Pius David, David Danlami, Yahuza Audu, and Monday Ayuba. Expressing his grief, Gwall lamented, “It is really sad; a tragedy has befallen our community. Their parents won’t see them again. Their siblings and friends won’t play with them again. They just left with their dreams and aspirations at their prime.”
Mr. Bashir Dawaki, Chairman of Kauru Local Government, stated that he had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. “I’m on my way to the place, but I have directed security agencies to carry out a detailed investigation and get back to me. So, I cannot say much right now until I am properly briefed,” he said.
In a statement, SOKAPU President Mr. Tabara Kato extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and the Ribang community. He urged the government and relevant security agencies to improve infrastructure in rural areas to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Kauru Local Government, particularly the Chawai Chiefdom, faces significant infrastructural challenges, with residents often trekking long distances to access schools, markets, and farms. During the rainy season, overflowing rivers and streams frequently disrupt daily life, including school attendance. The students who drowned had attempted to cross the river to avoid missing their examination.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for infrastructural development in rural communities to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
