Two children, Basiru Kudu and Mustafa Kudu, died on Saturday while trying to cross a flooded drain in Minna.
The brothers, who had attended the graduation ceremony at their Islamiyya school, were drowned while trying to cross the drain on their way home in Tunga Ward of the state capital.
Eye witnesses said that the incident followed a down pour that lasted for about three hours,flooding most of the drains and roads in the area.
Eye witnesses said that their mother, who was with them raised alarm to attract rescuers who recovered the bodies of the children and rushed them to the IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna, where they were confirmed dead.
The Director General of Niger State Emergency Agency, Malam Mohammed Shaba confirmed the story and said the agency was investigating the incident.
“I can confirm to you that children were drowned this afternoon in Minna
“The director of investigation has commenced investigation into the cause of the incident, and we will speak with the mother of the kids before we release further details on the incident.
“The agency will provide the necessary support for the family in line with our mandate, but we appeal to parents to keep vigil on their wards and stop them from going close to drains or water channel after down pour,“he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Pius Edobor also confirmed the story and said it was the first incident of drowning in Minna.
-Vanguard
