Police probe drowning of two students in Ondo hotel
By Boye Oyeyemi –
The Ondo State Police Command has launched an investigation into a tragic drowning incident at a hotel in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on January 29, 2026, was reported to the Akungba Divisional Police Headquarters by the pool manager of Unibercity Lounge and Hotel, where a swimming pool party was organised for newly matriculated students.
Police said 19-year-old Adegbola Blessing was first found unconscious in the hotel’s swimming pool at about 8 p.m. She was rescued, given first aid, and later taken home by friends after regaining consciousness.
Shortly after, another guest, 22-year-old Oludere Opeyemi, was discovered unconscious in the pool and rushed to the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, where he was confirmed dead.
Operatives of the Akungba Division were immediately deployed to the scene, while the hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, and the pool manager were invited for questioning as part of preliminary investigations.
Police added that in the early hours of January 30, Adegbola Blessing was reported to have also died, prompting the transfer of the case to the Command’s Monitoring Unit for a more detailed investigation.
The remains of both victims have been deposited at the State Hospital morgue in Ikare-Akoko for preservation and autopsy, as the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, urged hotel operators to prioritise safety measures, especially around swimming pools, to prevent similar incidents.
