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How a WAEC Student Die a Tragic Death Following WAEC Success

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 28th, 2024.

How a WAEC Student Die a Tragic Death Following WAEC Success

Jacob Elijah Kelechi, a young Nigerian student whose impressive WAEC results recently gained attention online, has sadly passed away.

Elijah completed his 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shortly before his death. On August 19, his older brother, Jacob Joseph John, shared the heartbreaking news along with Elijah’s outstanding exam results on Facebook. According to Eyes Of Lagos, John expressed his grief in a moving post:

“Stay at peace, my younger sibling. Your WAEC result has been released. You succeeded.”

Elijah, born in 2006, tragically died on July 12 in the Imo River, Abia State. John explained that Elijah and four others were returning from the river when the incident occurred. The group encountered military personnel conducting anti-bunkering operations, which led to a state of panic.

While some of the boys managed to swim to safety, Elijah, who did not know how to swim, unfortunately drowned.

John recounted the events of that day:

“They were in a boat, and as they were coming back, they spotted military personnel in the area known for bunkering. The sight of the soldiers caused panic. Those who could swim jumped into the water. Elijah, unable to swim and terrified, also jumped in but couldn’t make it.”

Elijah’s death is a profound loss, especially coming so soon after his academic achievements.