By Zino Apata
(VOICE OF NAIJA)- A final-year student of Delta State Polytechnic, Adama Augustine, drowned alongside a personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service after both reportedly fell into an abandoned well during a chase in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State.
The incident, which occurred on May 14 near Mega Chis along the Polytechnic Road, sparked protests by students and residents, who accused security operatives of harassment and extortion.
Findings by voiceofnaija.ng revealed that the deceased student was allegedly stopped by members of a joint patrol team comprising police operatives and forest security personnel.
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Eyewitnesses told voiceofnaija.ng that Augustine and another young man were accosted by the operatives over alleged possession of marijuana.
Sources claimed that the security operatives attempted to extort the students, forcing Augustine to flee the scene while being chased by one of the officers.
During the pursuit, Augustine reportedly jumped into an uncompleted building in a bid to escape arrest.
The officer chasing him allegedly followed suit, unaware that there was an abandoned open well within the premises.
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Both men reportedly fell into the water-filled well and drowned before help could arrive.
They were later rescued and rushed to Ogwashi-Uku General Hospital, where doctors on duty confirmed them dead.
The incident triggered outrage among students of Delta State Polytechnic, as members of the Student Union Government on May 15 staged a protest that grounded commercial activities and blocked major roads in the community.
The protest was led by the SUG President, Thomas God’swill, who demanded accountability and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Following enquiries by voiceofnaija.ng, the Delta State Police Command issued a statement describing the incident as “a very painful and tragic accident.”
In the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the command said the deceased officer was part of a joint patrol team |operating in the area.
According to the police, the patrol team sighted two men who fled on seeing the operatives, prompting a chase by personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service attached to the team.
The statement added that Augustine and the forest officer fell into an abandoned well located inside an uncompleted building during the pursuit.
The command also denied reports that the student was shot by the police.
“No shooting took place. Nobody was killed by the police,” the statement read.
Edafe said an investigation into the incident had commenced, while assuring residents of the command’s commitment to the safety of lives and property in the state.
