Dying for a Drop: How 14-Year-Old Elizabeth’s Tragic Death Exposes a Community’s Water Crisis
By Hauwau Shehu Maikeffi
In the heart of Niger State, Nigeria, lies the Korokpa community in Paikoro Local Government Area—a region characterized by its rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its inhabitants. Despite being surrounded by significant water bodies, including the expansive River Niger and notable dams like Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro, communities like Korokpa often grapple with acute water scarcity. This paradox forces residents, especially women and children, to rely on rivers and streams for their daily water needs, exposing them to various hazards.
Tragically, this vulnerability was underscored by the recent loss of 14-year-old Elizabeth Peter. On a day like any other, Elizabeth ventured to the Chanchaga River to fetch water—a routine task for many in her community. Accompanied by her sibling, she attempted to collect water but was swept away by the river’s current, leading to her untimely death.
Elizabeth’s family, like many in Korokpa, depended on the river due to the lack of accessible clean water sources. The community’s reliance on such unsafe water points not only poses health risks but also physical dangers, especially during the dry season when water levels recede, exposing deep pits and increasing the risk of drowning.
Paikoro Local Government Area, with its administrative headquarters in Paiko town, covers an area of 2,066 km² and had a population of 158,086 as of the 2006 census. The region is predominantly rural, with agriculture being the mainstay of the local economy. Despite its proximity to natural water sources, infrastructural challenges have left many communities without reliable access to potable water.
The tragic incident involving Elizabeth has sparked conversations on social media, with many expressing sorrow and frustration over the preventable loss. The consensus is clear: there is an urgent need for sustainable solutions to the water crisis in rural communities.
Efforts have been made by the state government to address these challenges. For instance, the governor recently inaugurated three projects in Paikoro Local Government Area, aiming to improve infrastructure and services. However, the impact of these initiatives on communities like Korokpa remains to be seen, and the urgency for effective solutions cannot be overstated.
Elizabeth’s story is a poignant reminder of the daily struggles faced by many in rural Nigeria. It underscores the pressing need for comprehensive interventions to ensure that basic necessities, such as access to clean water, are available to all, preventing future tragedies and honoring the memory of those like Elizabeth.
