By: Problyn J. Alpha
Tragedy struck in Massabendu, Nimiyama Chiefdom, Kono District, as the Vice Principal of Ansaru Islamic Secondary School, Emmanuel Mani, and another man identified as Mohamed Marrah reportedly drowned in the Massabendu River.
According to our correspondent, the deceased, along with three other men, were crossing the river in a local canoe when it capsized. Two of the five men managed to swim to safety, while a third man, who reportedly swallowed a large amount of water while attempting to swim, was rescued by bystanders and rushed to the Koidu Government Hospital, where he is believed to be responding to treatment.
Further reports indicate that the vice principal, Emmanuel Mani, was crossing the river in search of a musical set to be used for the first-ever sports meet since the establishment of Ansaru Islamic Secondary School.
The bodies of the two deceased men were recovered from the river the following day. Emmanuel Mani was laid to rest in his hometown of Penduma, Gbense Chiefdom, after a well-attended funeral service held at the Holy Ghost Binle Church in Small Sefadu, Gbense Chiefdom, Kono District.