Two children have been swept away by a river in Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu, Dapchi community, Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The Director of Search and Rescue Operations, State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Muhammad Jalo, disclosed that the incident occurred around 2:30pm on Sunday.
Jalo said state and local government search and rescue teams, alongside local divers, immediately commenced operations following the incident.
He disclosed that one of the children, identified as 14-year-old Goni Mustapha, had been recovered as of 5pm, while efforts to locate the second child were ongoing.
“State and LGA Search and Rescue teams, together with local divers, immediately launched operations. As of 5pm, one of the children, Goni Mustapha, 14 years old, has been successfully recovered,” Jalo said.
“Search efforts for the second child are ongoing. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
The SEMA director urged parents and guardians to exercise extreme caution around rivers, streams and other water bodies, particularly during the rainy season.
“Children must never play near or in rivers unsupervised. Even calm-looking water can hide strong undercurrents,” he warned.
Jalo also advised parents and guardians to keep children away from riverbanks, particularly after rainfall, when water levels could rise rapidly.
“Do not attempt to cross rivers on foot or by any means when the water is high or flowing fast. Avoid swimming or bathing in rivers that are swollen or after heavy rain,” he said.
He cautioned residents against jumping into the water in an attempt to rescue anyone who had fallen in.
“If someone falls into the water, do not jump in after them. Immediately call for help and alert local rescue teams or community leaders,” Jalo advised.
He also called on communities living near water bodies to establish preventive measures to protect children during the rainy season.
“Communities living near water bodies should establish clear warning signs and restrict access for children during the rainy season,” he said.
Jalo said water-related accidents could happen within seconds, urging residents to prioritise prevention.
“Prevention is far better than rescue. Please prioritise the safety of our children at all times,” he added.
He expressed sympathy to the affected family and prayed for the safe recovery of the second child.
The incident occurred amid heightened risks associated with flooding and rising water levels during the rainy season, when rivers and other water bodies can become dangerous due to strong currents and sudden changes in water levels.
Authorities routinely advise residents, particularly children, to stay away from riverbanks and avoid crossing or swimming in swollen waterways.