A manager with Skye Bank Plc, Ubong Ekpe, and his brother identified as Francis have drowned at the Ibeno Beach, Iwuokpom community, in the Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Ubong was until his death the manager of the bank’s branch at Abak Road Branch, Uyo in the state.
Punch reports that the brothers had gone to the beach for a picnic on Sunday with Ubong’s four children and wife.
There was, however, anxiety when Ubong went in the water but did not surface after some time.
Francis, who attempted to save him by also diving into the beach, was reported to have drowned as well.
Both men could not be saved and their remains were said to have been recovered in the early hours of Monday.
Akwa Ibom police PRO, Odiko Macdon, confirmed the double tragedy.
“The Skye Bank manager, his children and wife went to Ibeno Beach to have fun. Sadly, he got drowned. His brother died while trying to save him.
“The family initially did not report the incident. Their bodies floated and the family took them to Uyo. There is no suspicion of foul play,” Macdon said.
Head, corporate communications, Skye Bank Plc, Rasheed Bolarinwa, told Punch that the bank paid a condolence visit to the family on Monday.
“Another visit is planned for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 11, while a condolence letter on behalf of the management has been dispatched to the family as well.
“Additionally, the bank will be supporting the family with some burial benefits for the burial rites in line with our policy,” he added.
Chairman of the Ibeno, Ifum Udoh, told The News Agency of Nigeria that authorities were working to prevent recurring loss of lives at the beach, adding that the state government had concluded plans to take over the beach.
