Search and rescue teams in Yobe State are still searching for a child who was swept away by a river in Dapchi, Bursari Local Government Area, after another child involved in the incident was rescued.
The incident occurred around 2:30pm on Sunday at Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu in Dapchi, where two children were swept away by the river.
State and Bursari Local Government rescue teams, supported by local divers, responded shortly after the incident. One of the children, a 14-year-old boy, was located and rescued at about 5pm.
The second child, however, remained missing as the search continued, leaving the child’s family and members of the community awaiting further developments.
The Director of Search and Rescue Operations at the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr M.I. Jalo, confirmed the incident in an alert issued on Sunday.
Jalo said rescue personnel and local divers were mobilised immediately after receiving information about the incident. He confirmed the recovery of the 14-year-old while stating that efforts to locate the other child were ongoing.
The incident has again drawn attention to the risks associated with rivers and other waterways, particularly during the rainy season. Rising water levels and stronger currents can make waterways significantly more dangerous, even when the surface appears calm.
Jalo consequently urged parents and guardians to ensure children stay away from rivers and riverbanks without adult supervision.
“Children must never play near or in rivers unsupervised. Even calm-looking water can hide strong undercurrents,” he warned.
He also advised residents to avoid crossing rivers when water levels are high or currents are strong. Swimming and bathing in swollen rivers should also be avoided, particularly following heavy rainfall.
The SEMA official further warned against untrained rescue attempts when someone falls into a river, noting that attempting to enter the water could put additional lives at risk.
“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 said.
He called on communities located near waterways to strengthen preventive measures, including putting up warning signs and restricting children’s access to dangerous areas during the rainy season.
As the search for the missing child continues, Jalo expressed sympathy with the affected family and urged residents to take greater precautions around waterways.
“Water-related accidents can happen in seconds. Prevention is far better than rescue,” he said.
