The Nigerian community in Canada is grieving the tragic deaths of two children, Amna Ayomide Bennett and Damilola Khalid Afolabi, who died seven days apart in separate incidents across Ontario and Alberta. The heartbreaking losses have sent shockwaves through the diaspora, as both families mourn the sudden and unexpected deaths of their young children. Authorities in both provinces have confirmed that neither incident is being treated as suspicious, with initial investigations pointing to accidental causes.
Amna Ayomide Bennett, a six-year-old girl, died on April 26 after falling from a high-rise apartment window in North York, Toronto. The incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. near Chalkfarm Drive and Jane Street, where Toronto Police discovered her body. While the exact floor from which she fell has not been confirmed, police spokesperson Amy Davey described it as a “very high level,” noting the family resided on the 28th floor. The Toronto Police have stated the case is under investigation but does not appear suspicious at this time.
Neighbours expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Jahlique James, a resident of the building, said she often saw Amna and her mother around the complex. “It’s just very heartbreaking,” she said. “My heart goes out to the family.” Greenwin, the property management company, issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming full cooperation with the police. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our hearts and sympathies are with the child’s family and all others affected,” the company said.
In a separate incident, 12-year-old Damilola Khalid Afolabi drowned in Mahogany Lake in Calgary on Sunday, just over a month after his family relocated from Ghana to Canada. His father, Jubreel Afolabi, recalled that his son had returned from church and said he wanted to play outside, which was the last time he saw him alive. Reports indicate that Damilola jumped into the lake from its dock but did not know how to swim and failed to resurface. His body was recovered by firefighters, and he was buried at a Calgary cemetery on Wednesday.
Mr. Afolabi shared his anguish, saying, “He is a good guy. On Sunday my son came from church and he said he wanted to play a little at the front of the house and that was the end. I never saw my son again.” He also recalled his son’s words before the move: “Daddy, thank you for the good life you are going to give us in Canada. I didn’t know that my son would never be with me at this moment.” Family spokesman Patrick Adda noted that the family had no support network in Canada and relied on the kindness of others to settle in Calgary.
The tragedies have sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians in Canada offering condolences and urging greater caution. Some called for improved safety measures in high-rise buildings, while others emphasized the importance of swim lessons and supervision. As the community mourns, the deaths serve as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance in protecting children. The loss of these two young lives will be felt deeply, and their memories will continue to resonate in the hearts of families and friends across Nigeria and Canada.
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