A 200-level Chemical Engineering student of the Federal University, Otuoke (FUO) has reportedly drowned in Ekoli Creek, Yenagoa, after attempting to swim across the river for a N300 bet.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday morning, but as of Monday, the victim’s corpse had not been recovered, and his identity remains unknown.
Bet Gone Wrong
According to eyewitnesses, the student had placed a bet with his coursemates, staking N300 on his ability to swim across the creek. However, while making the attempt, he went underwater and never resurfaced.
“Yesterday morning, a 200-level Chemical Engineering student made a bet with his coursemates to swim across the river.
They all raised N300 each for the stake. As he was swimming, he dipped and has not been seen since then,” a student source revealed.
Authorities Yet to Respond
Efforts by PUNCH Metro to reach the Federal University, Otuoke's Public Relations Officer, Ms. Mercy Ekott, were unsuccessful as she did not answer calls to her mobile phone.
Similarly, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Musa Mohammed, stated that he had not been briefed on the incident and could not confirm the student's name.
“I have no information on the incident,” Mohammed said, adding that he would provide updates once available.
As search efforts continue, the tragic event has sent shockwaves across the university community, raising concerns over risky dares and water safety awareness.
