By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
On Saturday, Hon. Mukhtar Chawai, the Member Representing Kauru Federal Constituency, visited Ribang Village to offer condolences to the families of six students who tragically drowned in the Mbang River while returning from their Junior WAEC exams at GSS Fadan Chawai, Kaduna State.
Speaking huring his visit, Hon. Mukhtar expressed deep concern over the poor state of local infrastructure, including the lack of a bridge, school, and hospital.
“The Governor has shown remorse over the sad incident,” Mukhtar stated. “I have urged him to assist this community, and he has responded positively by instructing his Special Adviser on Rural Infrastructure to assess the area next week.”
Hon. Mukhtar assured the community of his commitment to collaborating with the Federal and State Governments to construct a bridge and provide essential amenities to prevent future tragedies.
Reflecting on the incident, Mukhtar remarked, “The world and the government share in your pain. It is disheartening and painful when children full of promise meet such untimely deaths.”
Village Head Timothy Nda lamented the lack of government projects since the return of democracy.
“Our primary school was built through community effort, and our only borehole stopped working 20 years ago. We need basic amenities like roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.”
Survivors James Emmanuel and Shedrack Musa recounted their harrowing experience, explaining that they clung to small trees for nearly four hours. “How we survived, we cannot explain; it was just God,” said Emmanuel.
“The rescuers couldn’t help us because of the water’s pressure. The rope they threw got caught, and we were told to pray and leave the tree, but unfortunately, six of our friends could not make it.”
Hon. Mukhtar said his visit by praying, “May the sacrifice of these children lead to sustainable development and peace in our Local Government Area.”
