A woman identified as Madam Stella has reportedly drowned her six-year-old daughter, Rachel, in a river located in the Ukubie community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to reports, the tragic incident unfolded after the mother, who had been searching for her daughter, eventually found her playing at the riverside. Witnesses revealed that the child was joyfully playing in the water when her mother approached her.
Upon seeing her daughter near the river, Madam Stella reportedly warned her to stop playing in the water and move away from the area. However, the little girl ignored her mother’s instructions and continued playing, which reportedly infuriated the woman.
In a fit of anger, the mother allegedly pushed the child into the river. Tragically, the six-year-old was unable to swim and drowned before help could arrive. Community members who witnessed the incident were left in shock and disbelief.
Following the heartbreaking incident, local residents confronted Madam Stella, demanding to know why she took such drastic action against her own child. Overwhelmed with guilt, she reportedly broke down and confessed to pushing the child into the river out of frustration.
In a remorseful statement, she pleaded for forgiveness from the community, saying, “I regret my actions. I never knew it would happen this way.”
The tragic event has left the entire Ukubie community in mourning, with many struggling to come to terms with the senseless loss of an innocent child. Some residents have condemned the mother’s actions, while others have speculated that she may have acted out of temporary rage without considering the consequences.
A family member, Jeph Nation, expressed his devastation over the loss of young Rachel, stating that the year had already been filled with sorrow for his family due to multiple painful deaths.
“I have recorded two deaths already in my paternal family at Ukubie this year. All were painful and heart-touching, but this one was so pathetic,” he said.
The incident has reignited discussions on parental discipline, anger management, and child safety, with many calling for increased awareness on the dangers of uncontrolled emotions and their irreversible consequences. Authorities are expected to investigate the matter further and take appropriate action.