Tragedy: Six Students Drown in Kaduna River Returning from BECE Exams

Six students from Government Secondary School Fadan Chawai lost their lives in the Mbang River in Ribang village, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna state. The incident, which occurred at approximately 5:30 pm on Tuesday, June 26, has left the community reeling in shock and grief.

The victims, identified as Manasseh Monday (16 yrs), Musa John (16 yrs), Pius David (15 yrs), Monday Ayuba (16 yrs), David Danlami (19 yrs), and Yahuza Audu (16 yrs), were returning home after completing their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), commonly known as ‘Junior WAEC’.

Confirming the tragic incident, Simon Ishaku Chinge, the national public relations officer of Ribang Development Association, disclosed that three bodies have been recovered and laid to rest, while three others remain missing. Local search and rescue efforts continue amidst anguished prayers and hopes for their safe recovery.

Mubarak Muhammad, the zonal coordinator of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for zone one, expressed readiness to provide further details once official confirmation is received. The community, known for its long-standing struggles with the Mbang River’s perilous currents, has urgently appealed to government authorities for essential infrastructure improvements.

In the wake of this heart-wrenching incident, calls have intensified for government intervention to prevent future tragedies, with appeals for improved access roads, bridges, and educational facilities resonating deeply among locals. The community’s plea for swift action underscores the need for immediate support to safeguard lives in Kaduna’s rural areas.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.