How Newly Matriculated Students Drowned in Swimming Pool

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

TWO newly matriculated students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, lost their lives after drowning in a hotel swimming pool during a party.

The victims were identified as Oludere Opeyemi, 22, and Adegbola Blessing, 19.

The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to the police, the tragic incident occurred on the evening of 29 January 2026 at a hotel in Akungba-Akoko, where the students had gathered for a celebration.

Jimoh explained that Adegbola Blessing was first discovered unconscious in the swimming pool at about 8:00 pm.

He was immediately rescued by the pool manager and administered first aid.

“The victim reportedly regained consciousness, was able to stand, and was subsequently taken home by his friends,” Jimoh said.

However, shortly after, another student, Oludere Opeyemi, was found unconscious in the same swimming pool.

“He was promptly rescued and rushed to the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, where he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel,” the police spokesperson stated.

Jimoh added that operatives of the Akungba Divisional Police Station were deployed to the scene that same night to commence investigations into the incident.

As part of preliminary inquiries, the hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, and the pool manager were invited for questioning.

The situation took a more tragic turn in the early hours of 30 January 2026, when Adegbola Blessing, who had earlier regained consciousness, was reported to have also died at about 7:00 am.
“Consequently, the case was transferred to the command’s Monitoring Unit for discreet, thorough and comprehensive investigation,” Jimoh said.

The remains of the deceased students have been deposited at the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko morgue for preservation and autopsy, as investigations continue to determine the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The police have assured the public that further details will be made available as the investigation progresses.