Tragedy in Sokoto: Teenager Drowns While Fetching Water Amid Ongoing Water Crisis

 

A heartbreaking incident occurred on Sunday, May 11, at the Sokoto State Water Treatment Plant, where a teenager named Salim tragically lost his life while trying to fetch water from a reservoir.

According to eyewitnesses, Salim was attempting to scoop water when he slipped and fell into the tank. Despite his efforts to get out, he sadly drowned.

This devastating event has triggered outrage among residents, many of whom have been struggling with a severe water shortage for over a month.

Locals say Salim's death highlights just how desperate the situation has become. Every day, both children and adults can be seen wandering around the city carrying buckets and jerry cans, desperately looking for water just to meet their basic needs.

Frustrated residents are pointing fingers at the Sokoto State Water Board, accusing the agency of neglect and failing to take action despite earlier promises to fix the issue.

“The situation is unbearable. Every day we wake up to search for water, and now a young life has been lost. What else has to happen before something is done?” one resident lamented.

The tragedy has left the community in mourning—and calling for urgent solutions before more lives are lost.