Two children have been swept away by a river in Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu, a community in Dapchi, Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The Director of Search and Rescue Operations at the State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Muhammad Jalo, said the incident occurred at about 2:30pm on Sunday.
According to Jalo, state and local government search and rescue teams, supported by local divers, immediately launched an operation to locate the children.
He said one of the victims, identified as 14-year-old Goni Mustapha, had been recovered by 5pm, while search efforts for the second child were still underway.
“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.”
Jalo urged parents and guardians to exercise extreme caution around rivers, streams and other water bodies, especially during the rainy season.
“Children must never play near or in rivers unsupervised. Even calm-looking water can hide strong undercurrents,” he warned.
He also advised residents to stay away from riverbanks after rainfall and avoid attempting to cross or swim in swollen waterways.
Jalo further cautioned people against jumping into rivers to rescue someone who has fallen into the water, urging them instead to immediately contact rescue teams or community leaders.
“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 advised.
The SEMA director called on communities located near water bodies to introduce preventive measures, including warning signs and restricted access for children during the rainy season.
He expressed sympathy to the affected family and prayed for the safe recovery of the second child.