Daniel Joel, a 300-level undergraduate studying Political Science at Kogi State University, Kabba, died following a tragic accident when he fell into a water well while attempting to draw water. The incident, which took place at the Ikowa-Opa off- campus student residential area, has plunged the academic community and the victim's family into deep mourning.
Following the tragedy, Rtr Nayo Jude Babatunde-Uyi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, issued an official statement addressing the event on Monday, November 9, 2026. According to local authorities, the student was reportedly managing a medical condition before the fatal occurrence.
What led to the student's death?
Preliminary reports indicated that Joel, who hailed from Benue State, went to fetch water from a residential well when he suffered a sudden epileptic seizure. The medical episode caused him to lose his footing and accidentally plunge into the deep opening, leading to his untimely death.
In the official condolence message, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael described the incident as heartbreaking and profoundly regrettable. He commiserated with the university management, academic staff, fellow students, and the bereaved family over the loss of a young individual with a bright future.
What steps are being taken to prevent future occurrences?
In the wake of the tragedy, local government authorities acknowledged the infrastructural challenges facing students living off-campus, particularly the difficulties in accessing reliable water supplies in the Ikowa-Opa neighborhood.
To address this infrastructure gap and prevent future hazards associated with open wells, the Executive Chairman has approved the immediate installation of two hybrid boreholes within the student residential zone. This intervention is designed to alleviate water scarcity and eliminate the risks students face when sourcing water for domestic use.