In the Dapchi hamlet, Bursari Local Government Area, Yobe State, one youngster has been rescued and another is still missing; the hunt for them continues.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) issued an alert regarding the incident that happened at Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu, Dapchi, at around 2:30 pm on Sunday.
State and LGA search and rescue personnel, along with local divers, quickly began operations following the tragedy, according to Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Jalo, Director of Search and Rescue Operations at SEMA.
Search operations for the second youngster were still continuing at press time, however one of the victims, Goni Mustapha, 14, had been recovered as of 5:00 pm on Sunday.
During the rainy season, water levels rise quickly, therefore Jalo issued a public safety alert warning parents and children not to walk near rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.
Never let children play unattended near rivers, he said, because even seemingly placid water might have dangerous undercurrents. Also, he said that after rain, parents should not let their children play near riverbanks.
Avoid swimming or bathing in flooded rivers, and don’t try to cross them while the water is high or rushing fast, he warned the locals.
Do not go diving after someone who slips into the sea. “Notify local rescue teams or community leaders immediately and call for help,” he advised.
During the rainy season, Jalo emphasised the need for communities living near bodies of water to post warning signs and limit children’s access.
The impacted family is in our prayers. The well-being of the second child is our prayer,” he continued.