Tragedy struck Ribang (Mbang) village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Tuesday when six teenagers drowned in the Mbang river. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. as the students were returning home after completing their Junior WAEC exam. The victims, aged between 15 and 19, were identified as Manasseh Monday, Musa John, Pius David, Monday Ayuba, David Danlami, and Yahuza Audu, all students of Government Secondary School Fadan Chawai.
Pastor Simon Ishaku, the National Public Relations Officer of the Ribang Development Association, confirmed the tragic event. He reported that three bodies had been recovered and buried, while three others remain missing. Pastor Ishaku expressed the community’s grief, highlighting the hope and excitement the students had when they left for their exams, only to meet an untimely end. He emphasized the recurring dangers of the Mbang river, which has claimed several lives over the years.
In response to the tragedy, Pastor Ishaku called on the Federal Government, Governor Uba Sani, Senator Sunday Katung, and House of Representatives members to urgently address the community’s needs. He appealed for the construction of schools, hospitals, access roads, and a bridge to ensure the safety and well-being of Ribang village residents, preventing future tragedies.