Tragedy! As Septic Tank Kills 8 Men In Enugu

Pandemonium broke out in Igogoro, a community in Enugu-Ezike in Igboeze North local government area of Enugu state on Monday evening when about eight youths were discovered suffocated in a septic tank.

According to eyewitnesses, one labourer, who was said to hail from Ebonyi state, had entered the septic tank in a bid to recover a water pumping machine, which was used to empty the tank.

As the first victim entered the well and was suffocating, the second person tried to rescue him and also got suffocated. This continued until the eight persons entered the tank.

A brother to one of the deceased, Odinaka Iyida, said that “the machine was started and lowered into the pit, so, the fume spread inside the tank.”

”The operator entered it and collapsed, maybe, as a result of the fumes (carbon monoxide). Others entered to help rescue him but were also trapped in the fume.”

Six out of the eight victims were reported to be indigenes of Amachalla community that share common boundary with Igogoro village.

When contacted, the chairman, Igboeze North local government area, Comrade Uwakwe Ezeja, said, “We were there yesterday when the corpses were taken to the general hospital mortuary. This morning, I also visited the scene.”

“I’ve also gone to see the bereaved families to console them on behalf of His Excellency, the governor of Enugu state, the people of Igboeze North LGA and the entire people of Enugu state. I also visited the traditional ruler of the town and also the Oha in Council.
“I’ve also addressed the youths in Amaechara.”

The governor has also promised to assist the bereaved families. This was an accident. The people were choked by carbon monoxide from the generator.”

In a statement, the police public relations officer, Ebere Amarizu, who confirmed the incidence, stated, “The state Commissioner of Police, Suleiman Balarabe, has expressed shock at the incident, which he described as unfortunate.”

“He has also directed for a full-scale investigation into the incident, just as their dead bodies have been deposited at the Ogurute General Hospital mortuary,” he said.