Yenagoa – Tragedy struck on Sunday morning as a 200-level Chemical Engineering student of the Federal University, Otuoke, reportedly drowned at the Ekoli Creek in Yenagoa while attempting to swim across the river over a N300 bet.

The name of the deceased student remains unknown as his body has yet to be recovered.

According to sources familiar with the incident, the victim had placed a bet with his coursemates that he could swim across the creek. However, during the attempt, he went under the water and did not resurface.

A student of the university who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “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 he has not been seen after that. He is still missing up till now.”

Efforts to reach the Public Relations Officer of the university, Ms. Mercy Ekott, for comments were unsuccessful as she did not respond to calls made to her mobile number.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Bayelsa State, Mr. Musa Mohammed, said he had yet to be briefed on the incident.

“I have no information on the incident,” he stated, promising to provide updates once he receives any further details.

As of the time of this report, search efforts are ongoing to locate the student’s body, while the incident has sparked concerns over student safety and risky behavior around water bodies.