One child rescued, another missing after river incident in Yobe
A child has been rescued while search efforts are ongoing for another child who was swept away by a river in the Dapchi community of Bursari Local Government Area, Yobe State.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu, as reported by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Jalo, the Director of Search and Rescue Operations at SEMA, stated that state and local search teams, along with local divers, mobilized immediately following the incident.
As of 5 p.m. Sunday, 14-year-old Goni Mustapha had been recovered, while efforts to locate the second child were still underway at the time of reporting.
In a public safety advisory, Jalo urged parents and children to avoid approaching rivers, streams, or other bodies of water, particularly during the rainy season when water levels can rise quickly. He emphasized that children should not play near rivers without supervision, noting that calm waters may disguise dangerous undercurrents.
Jalo also advised residents against attempting to cross rivers during high water conditions 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.
He called on communities near water bodies to install warning signs and restrict access for children during the rainy season.
“Our thoughts are with the affected family. We pray for the safe recovery of the second child,” Jalo added.
