Four workers lost their lives in a tragic industrial accident on Saturday at the Gubi Dam Water Treatment Plant, located in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 5:00 pm during a routine sludge cleaning operation within the plant’s tunnel system. The victims, identified as Shayibu Hamza (48), Abdulmalik Yahya (29), Jamilu Inusa (29), and Ibrahim Musa (42), were all residents of Firo village, a nearby community. Among the deceased were a father and his son—family members say the younger victim was scheduled to marry in two weeks.
In an official statement, Bauchi State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, revealed that the workers entered the clarifier chamber around 12:00 pm to dislodge pit pipes as part of the maintenance procedure. Tragically, they were overcome inside the chamber and later retrieved in an unconscious state. Despite swift medical intervention, all four were pronounced dead at the Specialist Hospital in Bauchi.
“The management of the facility is cooperating with investigators as we work to establish the exact circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event,” Wakil stated.
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, describing the loss as deeply painful. “These men died in service to their community. Their dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten,” he said.
The police have emphasized the need for enhanced safety protocols in industrial facilities, particularly in the water treatment sector. “This incident serves as a somber reminder of the critical need for strict adherence to workplace safety guidelines to prevent such tragedies in the future,” the statement concluded.
An investigation is currently underway, with authorities urging plant operators across the country to reinforce safety procedures to protect workers’ lives.
