By Abubakar Sani

The general manager of the Niger State Tourism Board, Alhaji Ibrahim Mustapha Babanna has explained the circumstances which had led to the death of a tourist at the Gurara water falls in Niger state.

Babanna told newsmen last week that the Abuja based middle aged man Christopher Warhembum, was drowned while swimming at the Gurara water falls.

He revealed that all attempts to rescue Warhembum failed, adding that it took the efforts of local divers to recover the body of the late Warhembum.

Babanna who said it was rare for tourists to die at the fall, however, explained that adequate security was in place at the fall to check such occurrence. He stressed the need for tourists to be more careful, pointing out that on the side of the board, extra security measures would be put in place.

"We always try to advise tourists on the need to avoid swimming in the water, but some of them disregard our advice", he said. Babanna said the management of the board has concluded arrangements to pay a condolence visit to the family of the deceased.  

It would be recalled that the deceased person, Christopher Warhembum, who until his death was an employee of Family Health International, a non governmental organization based in Abuja, died recently when he was swept off course by the fast running water fall.

He was said to be in company of other tourists including foreigners at the time of his death.