Four workers of the Bauchi State Government Urban Water Supply at Gubi Dam have lost their lives while performing routine cleaning.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident and identified the deceased persons as Shayibu Hamza (48), Abdulmalik Yahya (29), Jamilu Inusa (29) and Ibrahim Musa (42).
Spokesperson of the police in Bauchi, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, said in a statement that the four workers died while cleaning sludge at the Gubi Dam water treatment facility
Wakil said “A tragic event unfolded at the Gubi Dam Water Treatment Plant, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four dedicated staff members during a sludge cleaning operation in the plant’s tunnels.
“This incident underlines the urgent need for reinforcing workplace safety practices and strict adherence to established protocols.
“The sludge cleaning operation commenced around 12:00pm. During the procedure, the staff members entered the clarifier to dislodge pit pipes but were tragically overcome and subsequently retrieved unconscious.
“Despite immediate medical interventions, they were pronounced dead at the Specialist Hospital Bauchi.”
Wakil said when the police received information about the incident, it deployed personnel to the site and recovered the bodies.
He said investigation has commenced to ascertain the specifics surrounding the incident, noting that the management of the water treatment plant is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities to facilitate a comprehensive and transparent review.
“This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the water treatment sector. It underscores the responsibility of both employers and employees to emphasize and adhere to established safety protocols to mitigate future risks,” he said.
“The Bauchi State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu extends heartfelt condolences to the management of the Gubi Dam Water Treatment Plant, as well as to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
“We hope for comfort and strength for their families during this challenging time, and we remain committed to supporting improvements in safety standards,” he added.
Some workers in Gubi treatment plant said the deceased workers included a father and his son.
Also, a staff of the agency, under the ministry of water resources, said two among them were permanenf staff while two others were casual workers.
He said: “It happened that they were cleaning the water system where the water that is supplied to the Bauchi metropolis is being treated. I learnt that they were in a reservoir and they saw some fish inside the dirty water.
“One of them was trying to catch fish. The fish was going deep, he followed and died in the process, one colleague who saw what happened tried to rescue him and also died.
“Also, the third person was rescuing the second colleague while the fourth person tried to save them before he fell off and died –four of them have been buried today.”
He said that one of the workers was planning his marriage before the incident occurred.
The Bauchi State Commissioner for Water Resources Alhaji Abdulrazaq Nuhu Zaki and the General Manager, Bauchi State Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Corporation Engineer Aminu Aliyu Gital have not responded to calls.
Meanwhile the State Governor, Senator Bala Abdukadir Muhammad, has expressed sadness over the tragic death of four workers of the Gubi Water Treatment Plant who were said to have been carrying out official duties.
The governor’s condolences were conveyed in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, and made available to journalists in Bauchi on Monday.
“It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on behalf of the Government and the good people of Bauchi State, extends heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the four dedicated staff of the Bauchi State Urban Water and Sewerage Corporation who tragically lost their lives during routine maintenance work at the Gubi Farm Water Treatment Plant,” he said.
“This devastating incident has cast a shadow over the entire state, as we mourn the loss of these hardworking and committed public servants who died in the line of duty while contributing to the essential task of ensuring water supply for our people.
“Their sacrifices and services will never be forgotten, and their legacy will continue to inspire all those working tirelessly to build a better Bauchi State.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their immediate families during this time of grief. We pray that the Almighty grants them the strength to bear this great loss and comforts their hearts with His divine mercy.
“We urge all public institutions and workers across the state to place safety as a top priority during official duties to prevent future occurrences of such painful incidents
“The State Government has already directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and will take all necessary steps to support the bereaved families and enhance workplace safety across all departments.
“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace in Jannatul Firdaus and may their families find solace in the prayers and solidarity of an entire state that mourns with them.”
