One child rescued, another missing after river incident in Yobe

One child has been rescued while a search is ongoing for another child who was swept away by a river in Dapchi community, Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The incident occurred at about 2:30 pm on Sunday at Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu, Dapchi, according to an alert issued by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

The Director of Search and Rescue Operations at SEMA, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Jalo, said state and LGA search and rescue teams, together with local divers, immediately launched operations after the incident.

As of 5:00 pm on Sunday, one of the victims, 14-year-old Goni Mustapha, had been recovered, while search efforts for the second child were still ongoing at press time.

Jalo, in a public safety advisory, cautioned parents and children against going near rivers, streams and other water bodies, especially during the rainy season when water levels rise rapidly.

He warned that children must never play near rivers unsupervised, noting that calm-looking water can conceal strong undercurrents. He also urged parents to keep children away from riverbanks after rainfall.

He advised residents not to attempt to cross rivers when the water is high or flowing rapidly, and to avoid swimming or bathing in swollen rivers.

“If someone falls into the water, do not jump in after them. Immediately call for help and alert local rescue teams or community leaders,” he said.

Jalo urged communities living near water bodies to erect warning signs and restrict children’s access during the rainy season.

“Our thoughts are with the affected family. We pray for the safe recovery of the second child,” he added.