By O.V.Collins
In an unfortunate incident that took place in Ekosodin community, a leisurely swimming trip to Ekosodin River took a tragic turn as a final year student of Chemistry (name withheld), reportedly lost his life while swimming with two fellow UNIBEN students. The incident has left the university community in shock and has resulted in the detention of the surviving students by the police at BDPA Police Station, Benin City.
The incident occurred on Thursday, June 29, 2023, during the late afternoon period. Kennedy, a 200-level student of Biochemistry, and Wilfred, a 500-level student of Optometry, both from the Faculty of Life Sciences, accompanied the Chemistry student for a swim at the popular Ekosodin River located in Benin City, Edo state.
According to the statements provided by the detained students, Wilfred, who admitted his inability to swim, suggested playing football when all three of them were idle on Thursday. However, the victim insisted on swimming and claimed to be a good swimmer. Despite Kennedy’s willingness to swim, he also voiced his concern over how risky it is.
Tragedy struck when the victim dived into the deeper section of the river and began to struggle, eventually drowning. In a valiant effort to rescue his friend, Kennedy swam towards him but was dragged under the water by the victim as well, who was struggling for his life. Desperate for help, Kennedy ran to seek help from nearby individuals, but they claimed to be unable to swim. Realising that they were unable to rescue the victim, Kennedy and Wilfred hurriedly reported the incident to the Ekosodin Vigilante office, which subsequently involved the police.
The search for the victim’s body is currently underway, but as of now, has not yet been found.
The incident has drawn the attention of the school management and student representatives. The President and Speaker of the Department of Biochemistry, along with a Senator of the SUG, and some friends of Kennedy, all from the same department, visited the police station on Friday, June 30, 2023, to gather information and gain a better understanding of the situation. The President described the circumstances surrounding the incident as highly complicated.
Prof. Clement Ighodaro, the Dean of Students, has been made aware of the situation and engaged in discussions with the police. The details of their conversation are currently unknown.
The entire University of Benin community mourns the loss of the student and expresses condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragic incident.
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