Two teenage brothers tragically drowned in the Omileye River in Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area in Ondo State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, following heavy rainfall that caused the river to overflow its banks.
The siblings were reportedly swept away while attempting to cross the river on their way home from summer classes, after taking shelter at their father’s mechanic workshop during the downpour.
According to reports, the boys waited at the workshop for the rain to subside before setting out. However, unaware that the floodwaters had washed away the bridge, they attempted to cross the river.
A local source recounted, “It rained all day. It was a terrible day. The boys’ father became worried when they didn’t return home and quickly organized a search party. After hours of searching, the lifeless bodies of the two boys were found at different points along the riverbank, trapped in debris.”
The tragedy plunged the community into mourning, with residents gathering to console the grieving family.
Many locals expressed frustration over the lack of adequate infrastructure, pointing out that the river has long been dangerous due to the absence of a footbridge.
“Every rainy season, this river becomes a threat. We’ve complained many times. The government must act before more lives are lost,” one resident urged.
