Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through communities in Ondo State, Nigeria, two students from Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba‑Akoko have died after drowning in a hotel swimming pool during a gathering for newly matriculated students. The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the deaths and launched an investigation as authorities work to determine the precise circumstances of the double drowning.
The victims were identified as Oludere Opeyemi, aged 22, and Adegbola Blessing, aged 19. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the tragic events unfolded on the evening of January 29, 2026, at Unibercity Lounge and Hotel, located in the Akungba‑Akoko community of Akoko South‑West Local Government Area of Ondo State. The hotel was hosting a swimming pool party in honour of newly matriculated students at the time of the incident.
Jimoh explained that the first alarm was raised when Blessing was discovered lying unconscious in the pool at approximately 8:00 p.m. that evening. The pool manager reported that he and his team immediately pulled the young man from the water and attempted to revive him. First aid was administered on the spot, and according to police accounts, Blessing initially regained consciousness, was able to stand, and was taken home by friends following the initial rescue.
Shortly after the first incident, another student, Oludere Opeyemi, was found unconscious in the same pool. Rescuers again intervened and rushed him to the State Hospital in Ikare‑Akoko. Medical personnel at the hospital later confirmed his death. Despite initial hopes for Blessing’s recovery, police reported that he subsequently passed away in the early hours of January 30, 2026. Both victims were students at AAUA, a state‑owned institution known for its vibrant student life.
The double fatality has elicited a range of reactions from local residents, university authorities, and state officials. The police confirmed that the hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, and the pool manager were invited for questioning as part of preliminary inquiries, and the case has since been transferred to the command’s Monitoring Unit for further, comprehensive investigation. The remains of both students have been deposited at the State Hospital morgue in Ikare‑Akoko pending autopsy and further forensic examination.
In a statement addressing the incident, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, urged operators of hotels and recreational facilities across the state to review and reinforce safety measures, especially at swimming pools and water‑related venues, to avoid similar tragedies. Lawal stressed the importance of ensuring that these facilities adhere to established safety standards and have appropriate lifeguard supervision and emergency response protocols in place. Authorities have warned that negligence or inadequate safety practices could result in legal consequences.
Swimming pool drownings are a known hazard when adequate safety measures are not enforced, often involving lack of supervision, absence of trained lifeguards, or insufficient safety protocols for events with large gatherings. The Ondo State incident underscores the vulnerability of young adults and students at social events where risk factors may be underestimated.
Local community leaders and student representatives expressed profound grief over the loss of the two young lives. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes and messages of condolence from classmates, friends, and family members, while student unions at AAUA have called for increased awareness and safety education around water activities. The university has indicated it will cooperate fully with security agencies as investigations continue.
For many in the community, this tragedy has reignited broader conversations about campus and off‑campus safety for students. Some parents have criticised the apparent lack of strict safety enforcement at the venue, calling for regulatory bodies to implement stronger oversight of recreational facilities that host events for minors and young adults. Others have appealed for calm and cautioned against speculation until the police complete their work.
Experts in public safety and risk management have noted that drownings, while often classified as accidents, can frequently be prevented with proper planning, supervision, and compliance with safety standards. They recommend that hotels and similar establishments invest in lifeguard training, implement emergency action plans, and enforce clear rules regarding pool use during social events.
As the police continue their probe into the events that led to the deaths of the two students, many are watching closely for answers regarding critical questions: whether crowd control and safety measures were properly implemented, if there were warning signs or lifeguards stationed at the pool, and if any negligence can be identified in the momentos before the tragedy.
For the families of Oludere Opeyemi and Adegbola Blessing, the community’s support has been palpable, yet the anguish of sudden loss remains acute. Both students were at the start of their academic journeys, and their deaths serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the imperative for stringent safety standards in public and private venues alike.
Authorities have pledged to share additional findings with the public as the investigation progresses, and residents have called for accountability and enhanced preventive measures. In the meantime, the funerals of the two students are expected to take place later this week, with mourners planning services to honour their memories. Families and friends continue to appeal for privacy and dignity as they navigate through their grief.
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