Three children from the same extended family have drowned in an abandoned fish pond in Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The victims were identified as Great Anthony Ikpera, 6; Goodluck Anthony Ikpera, 8; and Vwegba Jite Ikpera, 12. They were members of the Ikpera family of Awirhe Community in Agbarha-Otor.
The tragic incident has thrown the community into mourning, with sympathisers visiting the bereaved family to offer condolences.
According to the President of the Agbarha Youth Council, AYC Coach Rufus Ovotu, and a family member who spoke on condition of anonymity, the children were reported missing on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Their disappearance prompted an immediate search by family members and residents, but initial efforts to locate them proved unsuccessful.
The search reportedly ended in tragedy when their lifeless bodies were discovered floating in an abandoned fish pond near a flowing stream behind the community.
It was suspected that the children might have gone to swim in the pond before the incident occurred.
The bodies were subsequently recovered and reportedly buried near the stream.
The incident has left residents devastated as the family grapples with the loss of the three children.
Reacting to the tragedy, Ovotu urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s movements, particularly around rivers, streams, ponds and other water bodies.
He warned that rising water levels posed serious dangers to children and advised parents to prevent them from visiting such locations without adult supervision.
He also stressed the importance of vigilance to prevent similar tragedies in the community.
