Minna, Niger State – A devastating incident has occurred at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, as Oluwaseyi Adebayo, a 400-level student from the Department of Animal Production, tragically lost his life during a hiking expedition with his peers. The unfortunate accident took place on August 10, when Adebayo fell from a hilltop into a fishpond, leading to his death.
According to sources, Adebayo and his colleagues were engaged in a bike hiking activity when he slipped and plunged into the pond. The local community reportedly refused to release Adebayo’s body to the university authorities until specific rituals were performed. The traditional requirement aimed to prevent similar incidents from befalling the other members of the group.
The FUT management initially resisted the demands for the ritual, but the situation was eventually resolved when concerned parties intervened, paying the necessary amount and providing a white ram for the sacrificial rites.
In response to inquiries from PUNCH, Lydia Legbo, the university’s spokesperson, denied any knowledge of the incident. “The University is not aware of any such incident and cannot comment on it,” Legbo stated.
However, the Student Union Government (SUG) of FUT Minna confirmed the incident in a statement titled “Condolence Message.” The SUG expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Adebayo and extended condolences to the bereaved family. The statement also included a warning to students to avoid outdoor activities near waterways and cautioned against swimming in undefined water bodies.
Moshood Olamide, the SUG Public Relations Officer, conveyed the Union’s heartfelt sympathies, saying, “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 near the Talba Dam in GK Off-campus. 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.”
Additionally, the Niger State Police Command has indicated that the matter was not reported to them. Wasiu Abiodun, the Police spokesperson, confirmed, “We are not aware of the incident. It was not reported to the police.”
The incident has brought to light the need for heightened safety measures during student activities and has raised questions about communication and response protocols within the university and local authorities.
