10 drown in Ibadan river

Ten people were said to have slipped from a makeshift bridge and fallen into a river in the Apete area of Ibadan after a heavy rainfall. They all drowned.

Eyewitness said the bridge that links the outer community with Apete was submerged by water after the rain late on Saturday and that the victims were residents of the community who were returning home.

“The rain started around 5:00 pm and when it subsided, some of the residents who tried to use the bridge slipped into the river and were washed away,” said Ishola who said he took part in the rescue operation.

“It was getting dark and rescue operation was difficult. People were crying and only six were rescued. I think more than 10 people would have died,” he added.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Ilobanafor, said she was not aware of the incident and that she was on casual leave. She promised to confirm the incident as soon as possible.