By Comr. Ogene Romanus Chizoba
The President of the Senate of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Ibeabuchi Onyia, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Abdulsamad Bello, a 100-level student of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina State.
Abdulsamad Bello, who hailed from Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, reportedly lost his life on June 15, 2026, after drowning in a pool in Makada town, a community located near the university.
According to available reports, the deceased and some fellow students had visited Makada town when the unfortunate incident occurred. Preliminary investigations established that Abdulsamad entered the pool alone before drowning. His colleagues, who were initially detained by the police for questioning, were subsequently released after authorities confirmed that no foul play was involved. The remains of the deceased have since been returned to his hometown for burial, while the other students have safely returned to campus.
Reacting to the incident, the NANS Senate President, Comrade Ibeabuchi Onyia, described the loss as heartbreaking and a painful reminder of the need for students to prioritize their safety at all times.
In a condolence message to the bereaved family, the management, staff and students of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, as well as the entire Nigerian student community, Onyia said:
"On behalf of the Senate of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), I extend our deepest condolences to the family of our dear brother, Abdulsamad Bello, a promising young student of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, whose life was tragically cut short in the unfortunate drowning incident that occurred in Makada town on June 15, 2026."
"The death of any student is a painful loss, not only to his immediate family but also to the entire Nigerian student community. Abdulsamad Bello was a young man with dreams, aspirations and a future full of possibilities. His untimely departure has left a vacuum that words cannot adequately fill."
"We mourn with his parents, siblings, relatives, friends, classmates and the entire Umaru Musa Yar’adua University community during this difficult period. We pray that Almighty Allah grants him Al-Jannah Firdaus and gives his family, loved ones and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss."
"As we grieve, this tragic incident also serves as a solemn reminder to all Nigerian students about the importance of personal safety and responsible conduct. We strongly urge students across the country to avoid visiting unsafe, isolated or unfamiliar locations without proper guidance, and to refrain from engaging in risky activities without adequate supervision and necessary safety precautions."
"No excursion, adventure or recreational activity is worth the loss of a precious life. Students must remain conscious of their environment, adhere to safety guidelines and always prioritize their well-being wherever they find themselves."
"The NANS Senate stands in solidarity with the management, staff and students of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University and assures them of our prayers and support during this period of mourning. We also encourage relevant authorities within and outside our campuses to intensify awareness campaigns on student safety and preventive measures against avoidable tragedies."
"May the soul of Abdulsamad Bello rest in perfect peace, and may such unfortunate incidents never befall our campuses again."
The NANS Senate President further called on student leaders, university authorities and security agencies to strengthen sensitization programmes aimed at educating students on safety measures, particularly when visiting locations outside their campuses.
He stressed that while recreation and social activities remain important aspects of student life, adequate caution must always be exercised to prevent avoidable tragedies.
The NANS Senate reiterated its commitment to the welfare, safety and well-being of Nigerian students and urged all students to remain vigilant and responsible in their daily activities.
Comr. Ogene Romanus Chizoba.
Head of Media and Strategic Communications,
NANS SENATE SECRETARIAT
FCT, ABUJA.
