Tragedy struck on Wednesday, May 29, 2025, when five young men drowned in the Aza River while traveling to a wake-keeping ceremony in Umunkanma Village, Ugwunagbo Local Government Area.
The victims, who were reportedly crossing the river by canoe from Epomiri Village, Ovom Ama Asaa in Obingwa LGA, lost their lives in the accident that has left both Obingwa and Ugwunagbo communities in mourning.
The deceased include two young men from Umuejea Village, two from Okuenyi Village in Ward 10, and one from Akpaa Mbato in Ward 8 of Obingwa LGA. They were said to be on their way to pay their last respects at a traditional wake when the canoe capsized mid-crossing.
The tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of grief and renewed concerns over the safety of river transportation in rural communities. Locals have called for urgent government intervention to provide safer means of crossing rivers, especially in areas where canoes remain the primary mode of transport.
As the communities mourn the loss of these vibrant youths, efforts continue to support the grieving families and ensure proper burial rites are carried out.
