A Yobe river incident in Dapchi Community, Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State, has left two children swept away by strong river currents, with one victim recovered while search and rescue operations continue for the second child.
The incident occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, around Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu in Dapchi Community, according to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Key Highlights
- Two children were reportedly swept away by a river in Dapchi, Yobe State.
- The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- 14-year-old Goni Mustapha was recovered at about 5 p.m.
- Search operations are continuing for the second child.
- State and local government rescue teams have been deployed.
- Local divers are assisting with the search operation.
- SEMA has warned residents against allowing children near rivers without adult supervision.
- Residents have also been warned against crossing or swimming in swollen rivers after heavy rainfall.
Yobe River Incident Triggers Search and Rescue Operation
Following the incident, SEMA deployed state and local government search and rescue teams to the area.
Local divers also joined the operation as rescuers intensified efforts to locate the two children.
SEMA later confirmed that one of the victims, identified as 14-year-old Goni Mustapha, was recovered from the river at approximately 5 p.m.
However, the search for the second child was still ongoing as of the agency’s latest update.
SEMA Warns Parents After Dapchi River Incident
The Director of Search and Rescue Operations at SEMA, Dr. M. I. Jalo, expressed concern over the incident and urged residents, particularly parents and guardians, to exercise extreme caution around rivers, streams and other bodies of water.
Jalo warned parents against allowing children to play near or enter rivers without adult supervision.
He noted that apparently calm water could conceal strong and dangerous currents capable of sweeping people away within seconds.
Residents Warned Against Crossing Swollen Rivers
The SEMA official advised residents to keep children away from riverbanks, particularly during and after rainfall when water levels can rise rapidly.
He also warned residents against attempting to cross rivers when water levels are high or currents are strong.
According to him, residents should avoid swimming or bathing in swollen rivers following heavy rainfall because of the increased risk of drowning and other water-related accidents. Further flood and emergency safety guidance is available from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
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SEMA Advises Against Untrained Rescue Attempts
Jalo further advised residents who witness someone falling into a river not to jump into the water in an attempt to rescue the victim.
Instead, he urged them to immediately alert local rescue teams, community leaders or other trained personnel.
He said untrained rescue attempts could put additional lives at risk, particularly where river currents are strong.
Communities Urged to Protect Children
Jalo also called on communities located close to rivers and other water bodies to establish warning signs and restrict children’s access to dangerous areas, especially during the rainy season.
He stressed that water-related accidents could happen within seconds and urged residents to prioritise preventive measures.
SEMA said further updates would be provided as search operations for the second child continue.
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