4 Workers Die During Maintenance Operation At Water Treatment Facility In Bauchi

Four workers have tragically passed away during a routine maintenance operation at the Gubi Dam Water Treatment Plant in Bauchi.

It was learnt that the incident happened around 5 pm on Saturday when they were carrying out a sludge cleaning exercise in the plant’s tunnel.

The deceased were identified as Shayibu Hamza, 48; Abdulmalik Yahya, 29; Jamilu Inusa, 29; and Ibrahim Musa, 42.

Among the victims were a father and his son, and family members say the son was due to be married in just two weeks

All the victims were residents of Firo village, a community near the treatment plant in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

A statement issued by the Bauchi State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, confirmed that tragic incident.

The statement explained that: “The sludge cleaning operation commenced around 12:00 hours. During the procedure, the staff members entered the clarifier to dislodge pit pipes but were tragically overcome and subsequently retrieved unconscious. Despite immediate medical interventions, they were pronounced dead at the Specialist Hospital, Bauchi.”

The police added that an investigation is now underway to determine the precise circumstances that led to the accident, as the management of the facility is said to be cooperating fully with authorities.

However, the police are calling for enhanced safety measures in the plant, underlining the urgent need for reinforced workplace safety practices and strict adherence to established protocols.

“This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the water treatment sector. It underscores the responsibility of both employers and employees to emphasize and adhere to established safety protocols to mitigate future risks,” the statement added.