The Honorable Representative of Kauru Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Mukhtar Chawai, visited Ribang Village on the Saturday before last to offer his condolences to the families of the students who tragically drowned in the Mbang River the week prior. These students were returning from taking their Junior WAEC exams at GSS Fadan Chawai, located in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State when the unfortunate incident occurred.
During his visit, the two surviving students, James Emmanuel and Shedrack Musa, recounted the harrowing experience of surviving the drowning while their peers tragically perished.
The esteemed Representative expressed his sympathies to the Chief of Chawai, His Highness Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, at Tarya Village on his way to Ribang Village. He expressed his concern over the deplorable condition of the nine-kilometer road, as well as the absence of a bridge, school, and hospital in the area.
While in Ribang Village, Mukhtar reassured the community of his commitment to collaborate with the Federal Government and the State authorities to ensure the construction of a bridge and the provision of other essential social amenities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He conveyed, “The Governor has demonstrated his regret over the tragic incident, and I have requested him to provide assistance to this community in any way possible. I am pleased that he has responded by directing his Special Adviser on Rural Infrastructure to visit and evaluate the community for necessary support. The Governor’s aide has pledged to visit next week.
“The entire world and the Government stand in solidarity with you in your grief over the unfortunate tragedy that has befallen you,” Mukhtar remarked.
He expressed his compassion, stating that the premature loss of the students was distressing and heart-wrenching because of their determination to pursue education despite challenges.
“We are deeply grieved by the passing of these promising young individuals, and we are optimistic that such a sorrowful event will not recur in the entire Chawai region.
“May the sacrifice made by these children not be in vain, but rather serve as a catalyst for sustainable development and harmonious coexistence throughout the entire Local Government Area,” he prayed.
The Village Head, Timothy Nda, lamented that the community had not received any government initiatives since the advent of democracy. He noted that the sole Primary School was constructed through community efforts and that the lone borehole in the community ceased functioning 20 years ago.
“I appeal to the Government and our representatives to aid us in acquiring basic social amenities such as access roads, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities to enhance our quality of life,” Chief Nda implored.
The two surviving students, James Emmanuel and Shedrack Musa recounted their traumatic experiences and revealed that their submerged companions clung to small trees in the water for nearly four hours before succumbing to the elements.
“The manner in which we survived remains inexplicable. It was only by the grace of God that we managed to endure that dreadful ordeal.
“We were the eldest among the eight of us who were stranded. The rescue team was unable to assist us due to the force of the water.
“The rope they attempted to throw to us in order to grab hold of it became entangled. They had to advise us to say a prayer and release the tree we were clinging to, but sadly, the six others did not survive,” the survivors recounted tearfully.
