By Ayitu Faith
A 24-year-old 200-level student of the Chemistry Department, Benue State University BSU, Makurdi Abel Agaba, is reported to have drowned in River Benue in the early hours of today (Friday).
According to a source closed to the deceased family, Mr Terwase Joseph revealed that around 12am, Agaba had gone to the River after watching a football match with friends at a local viewing center at Awe Street, Wurukum, Makurdi.
“Due to the heat waves, he decided to go swimming at the River Benue despite warnings from his friends of the dangers of swimming alone at night
“A Fisherman, Mr Alose Iliya who went out to check his fishing net early hours of the morning, discovered Mr Agaba’s lifeless body attached to his fishing net and immediately raised alarm, alerting residents of Awe Street. Eventually the news got to the deceased family and the body was retrieved and taken to the morgue”
The community has been thrown into mourning, with family members, friends and neighbours expressing shock and sadness over the tragic incident. Sympathizers were seen trouping in and out of the deceased uncle’s house to sympathize with the family.
A neighbour to the deceased, Mrs Anita Bako expressed grief over the demise of Mr Agaba, describing him as a well behaved young student who she often see going to school or indoors when he doesn’t have lectures. She disclosed that the late Agba doesn’t reside in makurdi but lagos. “He is in Makurdi because of school”, she said
Speaking on the incident, Mr Iliya urged youths in the area to exercise caution and avoid taking unnecessary risks, especially at the River Benue, noting that such incidents occur during this period when there is so much heat.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue state command, CSP Sewuese Anene said, the police is yet to receive the report.
The family of Mr. Agaba has requested for privacy during this difficult time as funeral arrangements are currently underway.
