The police in Ogun have confirmed that a 19-year-old boy, Oluwaferanmi Olasupo, drowned on Friday in an abandoned quarry pool near Eseke Village in the Odeda Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abeokuta.

According to Ms Odutola, Sunday Olaseinde, the victim’s grandfather, reported the incident at the divisional police station at about 6:39 p.m. on Friday.

The command’s spokesperson stated that, upon receiving the information, law enforcement officers and a surveillance team swiftly mobilised to the scene to rescue the victim.

However, she revealed that rescue efforts were postponed due to poor visibility at night, adding that local divers had been contacted to assist in retrieving the body.

“The divisional police officer has launched an investigation and search operation following the tragic drowning of 19-year-old Oluwaferanmi Olasupo.

“According to reports, the victim, an inexperienced swimmer, had gone to the quarry site with friends to swim when he drowned.

“His grandfather reported the incident to the police at about 6:39 p.m. after being informed by villagers. Meanwhile, the victim’s friends, who were present at the scene, fled and are currently in hiding,” she said.

She said the parents of the victim’s fleeing friends had been asked to produce their children for interrogation as part of the ongoing investigation.

Ms Odutola emphasised that the incident underscored the dangers of swimming in unsecured water bodies, particularly abandoned quarry sites.

She urged the public to exercise caution and avoid such hazardous areas.

(NAN)