Alexander Okere, Benin
A 15-year-old boy, identified as Ikponmwosa, has reportedly drowned in swamped at Uselu, in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.
Ikponmwosa was said to have fallen into the swamp located on Iyoba Street while he was fishing on Wednesday.
It was learnt that the deceased, along with some of his friends, had decided to go fishing after they were allegedly sent home during the protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress over the increase in the pump price of petrol.
According to a source, the 15-year-old boy attempted to pick up what he suspected to be catfish from the swamp when he reported drowned.
The situation was said to have caused pandemonium among his friends who appeared helpless and but later fled to alert his parents.
It was, however, learnt that his corpse was later recovered.
The mother of the diseased, Mrs. Maureen Igiebor, said that her son did return home from school.
She also noted that he died before he could receive any assistance.
She said, “He ran home and removed his school uniform. Suddenly, a little boy came telling me that my son, Ikponmwosa, with whom they went together to hunt for catfish had drowned.
“The boy told me that he drowned while hunting for catfish from the swamp,” she added.
A sister of the the victim, Omosigho also expressed shock over the incident.
“One little boy just came and said my brother had drowned at Iyoba swamp, that he is dead.
“The government should come and do something about this swamp because there are other helpless children out there. My only brother that I have is dead,” Omosigho said.
A resident in the area, Mr. Sunday Igbinidu, lamented that the swamp had been a source of concern for residents and had allegedly claimed a life in the past.
Igbinidu said, “So, we do not want this kind of thing to happen next time. The state government should inform the federal government to come and remove this water from here.
“About three years ago, somebody died in this flood. Another incident happened this year before the latest tragedy.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Osifo Abiodun, told our correspondent on Thursday evening that he had yet to be briefed on the incident, as he was away on an official assignment.
“I am not aware. In fact, I travelled to Abuja; I am on my way now back to Benin. I will try and find out.
“I don’t have a report on that. I have not been briefed,” Abiodun said on the telephone.
