River Sweeps Away Two Children in Yobe, One Recovered

Two children were swept away by a river at Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu in Dapchi community, Bursari local government area of Yobe State, on Sunday.

The incident occurred at about 2:30pm on October 4, 2026, prompting the immediate deployment of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Bursari Local Government search and rescue teams, alongside local divers.

Group of divers searching for the missing child

SEMA said one of the children, identified as 14-year-old Goni Mustapha, was recovered during the search operation, while efforts were ongoing as of 5pm to locate the second child.

The agency, through its Director of Search and Rescue Operations, Dr M.I. Jalo, urged parents and guardians to prevent children from going near rivers and other water bodies without supervision, particularly during the rainy season when water levels can rise rapidly.

Jalo also advised residents against attempting to cross swollen rivers or entering fast-flowing water, warning that strong undercurrents could pose serious danger even where the surface appears calm.

He urged communities to alert local rescue teams or community leaders immediately in the event of a water-related emergency rather than attempting risky rescues themselves.