One child recovered after two swept away in Yobe river

Two children were swept away by a river in Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu, in the Dapchi community of Bursari Local Government Area, Yobe State, on Sunday, the State Emergency Management Agency said. The agency’s Director of Search and Rescue Operations, Dr Muhammad Jalo, said the incident occurred at about 2:30pm. State and local government rescue teams, supported by local divers, began searching shortly afterwards.

Jalo said one of the children, identified as 14-year-old Goni Mustapha, had been recovered by 5pm. He said the search for the second child was continuing and that further updates would be issued as more information became available. The agency director urged parents and guardians to keep children away from rivers, streams and other water bodies, especially during the rainy season.

He warned that apparently calm water could conceal strong currents and that water levels could rise quickly after rainfall. Jalo also advised residents not to cross, swim or bathe in rivers when they are swollen or flowing rapidly. He cautioned people against entering the water to rescue someone who had fallen in, urging them instead to contact local rescue teams or community leaders immediately.

He called on communities near water bodies to install warning signs and restrict children’s access to riverbanks during the rainy season. Jalo said water-related accidents could occur within seconds and expressed sympathy to the affected family while praying for the safe recovery of the second child.