By Victor Kanayo
A Nigerian footballer identified as Earnest Peremobowei has drowned in the raging flood at Yenebelebiri community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria, after rescuing five passengers from a capsized boat.
The body of the deceased which could not be recovered immediately has however floated and has been deposited at a morgue.
Peremobowei, a known footballer, aged 31, has won laurels with several local teams.
Recently, he was voted the third best highest goal scorer in a state-organised tournament.
How He Died
According to family sources, the deceased was on his way to the Yenebelebiri community located across the state capital in the company of five persons when their boat smashed into the Government Jetty Barge and they lost control.
He was said to have rescued all the five other passengers but could not make it as he was weak and drowned due to the high current of the water.
Ernest Komboye, the junior brother of the deceased who confirmed the incident, said the brother died of exhaustion.
Komboye disclosed that the last person rescued by his late brother is at a hospital undergoing treatment.
He appealed to the government to come to the aid of the family as they are in pain over the loss of their son.
Komboye said his brother left behind a wife and two children, aged between 10 months and three years.
