A tragic incident occurred at the Federal University of Technology Minna (FUT Minna), Niger State, as a 400-level student, Oluwaseyi Adebayo, lost his life after slipping into a fish pond while hiking with colleagues.
The incident took place on August 10 when Adebayo, a student from the Department of Animal Production, and his peers went bike hiking near the Talba Dam in the GK off-campus area.
During the hike, Adebayo reportedly lost his footing on a hilltop and fell into a nearby fish pond, leading to his untimely death. According to sources, locals in the area initially refused to release the student’s body to the university authorities, insisting on performing rituals to prevent future occurrences among his seven other colleagues.
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The university administration allegedly declined to participate in the rituals. However, the situation was resolved when concerned individuals intervened, paying the requested sum and providing a white ram for the ritual sacrifice.
When contacted about the incident, Lydia Legbo, the spokesperson for FUT Minna, stated that the university was not aware of the event. “The university is not aware of any such incident and cannot comment on it,” Legbo said.
The Student Union Government (SUG) of FUT Minna confirmed the incident in a statement titled “Condolence Message,” expressing their sorrow over the loss. “We regret to announce the passing of Oluwaseyi David, a 400-level student from the Department of Animal Production (SAAT), who died earlier today during a hiking event with his level mates near the Talba Dam in GK Off-campus,” the statement read.
The SUG’s Public Relations Officer, Moshood Olamide, further advised students to avoid outdoor activities near water bodies, warning against swimming in waters of undefined depth. “Our prayers and thoughts are with the bereaved. We pray God to grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss, and may the gentle soul of Oluwaseyi David rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
The Niger State Police Command was also contacted, but the spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, noted that the incident had not been reported to the police. “We are not aware of the incident. It was not reported to the police,” Abiodun stated.
