A Batch “C” member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has died mysteriously in Cross River State.
The deceased, Faith Nzube Enemuo was alleged to have drowned in Ikom River located at Ikom village in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.
It was learnt that the deceased and some other Corps members had gone to play handball near the river. But, a few minutes into the game, one of them pleaded with his colleagues to move the game into the river.
A villager who craved anonymity said, “There were about 10 of them, who came to play handball on the dry land near the Ikom River. One of them suggested that they should move closer to the river, but the suggestion was opposed by other Corps members, including the late Faith”.
After much persuasion, her colleagues moved the game close to the river. Faith was said to have joined them reluctantly.
According to an eyewitness report, minutes into the game, the ball fell into the river and the deceased offered to fetch the ball which was moving faster away from the water’s edge.
“The late Faith stood close to the river for a few seconds, after which she dived to bring the ball out. Her colleagues watched in excitement as she swam close to the ball. But, in a moment, she stopped and started waving her hands. They thought she was still playing, until they didn’t see her again on the water surface.”
When her colleagues realized what was happening, they signaled to the villagers, who were swimming in the river. After 10 minutes of frantic search, the rescuers could not find the girl. More villagers offered to help with canoes and fishing instruments, but they could not get her.
Two days later, the late Faith’s body was found on the Okuni Beach in the neighbouring village.
The deceased who hailed from Anambra state, was a graduate of Social Studies from the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA).
Her body has since been deposited at Emeka Mortuary, by Corps members with the help of policemen.
The Corps’ Liaison Officer (CLO) in the local government, Danjuma Zira Khaly, said the incident was sad, confirming that 10 Corps members went to play handball at the Ikom River. He described Faith’s death as a “big loss to the NYSC in Cross River State.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command, John Umoh, said autopsy had been conducted on the body.