Tragedy struck in Amukpe community, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, as a young girl identified simply as Maro drowned in a river under controversial circumstances.
Newsmen gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when the deceased went swimming with a female friend. Trouble reportedly started when Maro suddenly disappeared beneath the water, prompting panic in the area.
Sources told newsmen that the friend who accompanied her to the river fled the scene shortly after the incident, raising suspicions among residents.
It was learnt that only Maro’s clothes and the USB cord of her phone charger were found at the riverbank. Her mobile phone was missing, and attempts to call the number revealed that an unidentified person answered before switching off the device.
The deceased’s body was said to have floated to the surface the following day, Monday, April 14, 2025, with a deep injury observed at the back of her head. She was later buried at the riverside by family members and locals.
Confirming the development, a family source said the fleeing friend had been arrested and is currently assisting the police with the investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death.
Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
