Three children aged six, eight and 12 have reportedly drowned in an abandoned fish pond in Saniko Community, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The tragic incident has left the Ikpera family and residents of the surrounding communities mourning the loss of the three young children.
The victims were identified as Great Anthony Ikpera, six; Goodluck Anthony Ikpera, eight; and Vwegba Jite Ikpera, 12. They were members of the Ikpera family from neighbouring Awirhe Community.
According to reports, th were declared missing on Saturday after their parents could not locate them. Their disappearance prompted a search that continued into the following morning.
The search ended in tragedy on Sunday, October 11, when the children’s bodies were reportedly discovered in an abandoned fish pond in Saniko Community.
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Three Missing Children Found Dead in Fish Pond
Agbarha Youth Council President Rufus Ovotu and a family member who requested anonymity confirmed the discovery, according to reports.
The abandoned fish pond is reportedly located beside a flowing stream behind the community.
Although the children were found in the water, the circumstances surrounding how they entered the pond have not been independently established.
The incident has raised concerns about the dangers posed by abandoned fish ponds, streams and other unprotected water bodies, particularly in communities where children may have access to them.
The children’s deaths have also drawn attention to the importance of securing disused ponds and other potentially hazardous areas to prevent similar tragedies.
Bodies Reportedly Buried Near the Stream
Following the discovery, the bodies of the three them were reportedly recovered and buried beside the stream.
The loss has brought grief to their family, with residents and sympathisers visiting to offer condolences and support to the bereaved relatives.
The incident has shocked members of the local community, particularly because the victims were young children from the same family.
As the family mourns the loss, community members have been reminded of the need to pay close attention to their whereabouts and ensure they are protected from dangerous environments.
Community Leader Warns Parents
Reacting to the incident, Ovotu urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s movements closely and prevent them from wandering towards streams, ponds and other potentially dangerous water bodies.
He also highlighted the need for increased vigilance during periods when water levels are high.
Unprotected water bodies can pose serious risks, especially to young children who may not fully understand the dangers associated with entering deep or fast-moving water.
Community leaders and residents can also help reduce such risks by identifying abandoned ponds, securing access points and warning families about hazardous locations.
The tragedy in Agbarha-Otor serves as a painful reminder of the importance of water safety and community efforts to protect kid.
For the Ikpera family, the loss of Great Anthony, Goodluck Anthony and Vwegba Jite represents a devastating tragedy. Residents continue to sympathise with the family as the community mourns the three children.
