The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the death of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Tarmac Four cadet in a swimming pool accident at a popular hotel in Umuahia, the state capital, News About Nigeria reports.
The deceased, identified simply as CDT Chidiebere, reportedly lost his life on Tuesday while swimming at the hotel’s swimming pool.
Chidiebere, who was just a few months away from graduating from the National Defence Academy, had visited the facility with friends when the unfortunate incident occurred.
According to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the cadet disappeared from the surface of the pool at around 6:37 pm on Tuesday.
Despite efforts by witnesses and bystanders, his lifeless body was later discovered by men from the state fire service.
Upon confirmation of his demise, his body was transferred to the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, stated on Friday that the command had been notified and an investigation was ongoing.
The tragedy has also been brought to the attention of the 14th Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Ohafia and the Navy formation in the state.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has reported that seven drowning incidents occurred in different parts of the state throughout the week.
According to the state police public relations officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the fatalities occurred at various locations, including hotel swimming pools, beaches, and the lagoon.
The casualties included two passengers who reportedly fell into the lagoon on Wednesday following a commercial bus accident on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.
Others included two drownings at a hotel in Mushin, one at a hotel on the island, one on Ibeshe Island, and another at a hotel in Shasha.
Meanwhile, tragedy struck the Nollywood community as well, with the untimely demise of actor Pope Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, on Wednesday.
The actor lost his life during a boat trip to a movie location alongside other actors in Asaba, Delta State.
The boat capsized, resulting in the deaths of Pope Odonwodo and four others.
