An 18-year-old man identified as Abdullahi Aminu has drowned after falling into a pond at Kofar Gabas in Danbatta Local Government Area of Kano State.
The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kano by its Public Relations Officer, Saminu Abdullahi, on behalf of the Director of the service, Sani Anas.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Fire Service, it received a distress call at about 3:28pm from Aminu Lawan, the victim’s father, reporting that his son had drowned in the pond.
“Upon receiving the report, we immediately deployed our rescue team to the scene,” the statement said.
Rescue personnel were dispatched to the location and recovered the victim from the pond.
However, the 18-year-old was brought out dead.
The Fire Service said the circumstances surrounding the incident were still being investigated.
Following the recovery operation, the victim’s body was handed over to the Secretary to the District Head of Danbatta, Alhaji Baba Ado Sarkin Bai.
The Fire Service expressed sympathy to the deceased’s family over the tragedy.
The agency also urged residents to exercise caution around ponds and other waterways, particularly during the rainy season.
Ponds and waterways can become more dangerous during periods of heavy rainfall as water levels and currents change, while surrounding ground may also become slippery and unstable.
Residents have therefore been advised to avoid unnecessary risks around open water and to ensure that children are kept away from potentially dangerous ponds and waterways.
The Fire Service did not immediately provide further details about how Aminu fell into the pond.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning is ongoing.
