Benue SS1 Student Dies After Tragic Fall from Mango Tree
A devastating incident has struck the community of Naka in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State, resulting in the untimely death of a secondary school student. The victim, identified as Oryiman Afeese, an SS1 student at Splendid Secondary School, Naka, lost his life after falling from a mango tree.
Details of the Tragic Event
The tragedy unfolded on Sunday, March 1, 2026, when Oryiman Afeese climbed a mango tree in the community to pluck mangoes. According to reports shared on social media by a Facebook user, Emmanuel Atema, the young student fell from the tree, leading to his immediate death. The principal of Splendid Secondary School, Sir Barnabas Hanmeza, confirmed the heartbreaking incident, stating that the boy's life slipped away in that moment.
Emmanuel Atema described the event in a poignant post, writing, "Yesterday, death cast a dark shadow over Splendid Secondary School, Naka, and in the most painful way, snatched away one of its students, Master Oryiman Afeese." He further expressed the profound grief felt by the school community, noting that Oryiman was "a child full of dreams" and "a student with a future, gone too soon."
Community and School in Mourning
The loss has left a deep void among his classmates, particularly the students of SS1, who shared laughter, lessons, and youthful hopes with him just days before the incident. Atema's message extended prayers for comfort and strength, saying, "We pray that God, in His infinite mercy, comfort Splendid Secondary School, Naka, the management, teachers, students, and most especially his family. May He grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts."
This tragic event highlights the risks associated with everyday activities in rural communities and underscores the need for increased safety awareness. The school and local authorities are likely to review safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the community grapples with this loss, support and condolences continue to pour in for the bereaved family and the entire school. The memory of Oryiman Afeese will be cherished by those who knew him, serving as a somber reminder of life's fragility.
