By O.V.Collins

The body of the final year Chemistry student, Francis Aniude, who drowned in the Ekosodin River on Thursday, June 29th, 2023 has been recovered. The discovery took place in Ekosodin River at approximately 2pm on Saturday, July 1st, 2023, when divers, who had tirelessly searched for the victim, made the heartbreaking find.

The ACJ UNIBEN, after receiving a call about the discovery of the body from the Speaker of the SUG, Rt. Hon Ogunjobi Fakorede, went with the families of the detained students in connection with the case, Samson Kennedy and Wilfred Emmanuel, to the scene of the incident along with some concerned stakeholders from the Department of Biochemistry.

Upon examination of the body, our correspondent at the scene observed that the victim’s corpse was swollen, indicating that it had absorbed a significant amount of water. Additionally, there were visible signs of distress from the struggle in the water, including some blood on the lips and skin peel on the neck. According to the divers who recovered the corpse, the cause of these injuries was a rope that they had entangled around the victim’s neck while underwater in order to drag the corpse out. Present at the scene were members of the Ekosodin Vigilante, and at least 2 police officers in Uniform.

As the body laid by the River bank, the elder brother of the deceased mentioned that an autopsy would be conducted on the corpse. But local tradition demanded that the body, after being respectfully wrapped in white linen, be buried at the river bank. This act was to honour customary practices, as emphasized by one of the divers involved in the recovery of the body. The digging of the grave had already commenced when the other relatives of the deceased, called to ensure a mandatory autopsy is carry out, which then led to the transportation of the corpse to the mortuary. It was gathered that the autopsy report will be available by Monday, July 3rd, 2023.

Following the discovery of the Francis’ body and the unusual circumstances surrounding the incident, the case has been transferred to the Edo state Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Authorities are continuing their investigations to establish a clear understanding of the events that led to the tragedy. It is important to note that no formal charges have been brought against the surviving students, Samson Kennedy and Wilfred Emmanuel, at this stage of the investigation. Their cooperation with the authorities in reporting the incident and providing statements has been acknowledged.

The entire University of Benin community remains in shock and mourning, grappling with the tragic loss of a promising student.
Francis Anuide, 23, was a final year student in the Chemistry department, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Benin. He was the son of the late Commissioner of Police, Mr. Callistus Aniude, and Mrs. Benedette Aniude.

The Faculty of Physical Sciences Students’ Association (FAPSSA) has expressed its heartfelt condolences and joins in mourning the passing of their fellow comrade. In a statement issued by Comr. Jephta Ozioma Onah, the Governor of FAPSSA, and Success Osasenaga Osifo, the Public Relations Officer, they conveyed their sadness and offer prayers for Francis Aniude to find eternal peace in the blossom of the Lord.

Support ACJ UNIBEN's goal of always bringing truth to light.

Excellent campus journalism requires financial support. Yet, it is this very journalism that contributes to an informed campus community, transparency in educational institutions, and an engaged student body. To continue offering free access to top-notch campus journalism, we invite you to consider making a modest contribution to this worthwhile endeavor. Your support for ACJ UNIBEN's campus journalism ensures its relevance and availability to all students, free of charge, fostering an informed and active campus community.

DONATE