14-year-old drowns retrieving shoe from Abuja canal

A 14-year-old boy has died after drowning in a canal in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, while attempting to retrieve his shoe during rainfall. The incident occurred on Saturday behind Millennium Park.

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Police received a report that a 14-year-old boy drowned in a canal behind Millennium Park while attempting to retrieve his shoe during rainfall.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, confirmed the tragic event, stating that the boy's body was recovered and taken to a hospital where he was declared dead. The police received a report of the drowning and responded promptly.

In a somber turn, the deceased boy's father chose not to request an autopsy and instead asked for the release of his son's corpse for burial. The police granted this request and have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning.

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His body was recovered and rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

This incident follows a similar tragedy reported earlier in Kano State, where an 18-year-old boy drowned after falling into a pond. The Kano State Fire Service confirmed that event, highlighting the dangers associated with water bodies during adverse weather conditions.

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The father declined an autopsy and requested the release of the corpse for burial, which was granted. CID Abuja is investigating.