Every year it is estimated that hundreds die when the mighty River Ngadda-Bul overflows its banks and floods large areas in and around Maiduguri – and this year’s water has been higher and stronger than previous years, so there have been many reports of children, and even some adults, who have gone missing and are presumed drowned.

In an attempt to stop these unnecessary deaths, the Borno State government’s Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Sector 4, Maiduguri, has put in stringent measures by deploying more security officers at all the rivers in Kolo Gomna, Gwange, Modu Ganari, behind the BRTV to stop little children from playing, bathing or swimming in the rivers because the water is so high.

CJTF member Hassan Adamu said the water was still raging and there were a number of CJTF who were on patrol, checking to see that no one went into the water.

“But apart from our efforts, more security needs to be deployed, such as police, the civil defence force and local hunters, so that we can prevent children, who are most at risk, from drowning.

“Parents should also play their part by keeping a watch on their children. Even if they were going to school, they might make a detour and end up going to the river to swim and play.

“The safety of our children is the responsibility of all of us and, therefore, we need to act collectively.”

Kolomi Ibrahim, a father whose child had gone missing a week ago, told RNI that his son went to the river last Friday and he had not seen him since.

“My son went to the river last week on Friday and up till now we do not know his whereabouts. But his friends came home with his clothes. They told us that he went to the river to wash his hands. He saw some friends in the river and decided to remove his clothes and join them. My son does not know how to swim and now he is missing.

“My son’s name is Ibrahim Kolomi and he is 11 years old. He is slim and fair in complexion. We haven’t seen his corpse. We don’t know if he is alive or dead. He has just disappeared. We are begging people to let us know if they see his body and to contact local media houses.”

Ibrahim said there was nothing as distressing as losing a son.

“If he has drowned is it the destiny the Almighty Allah had for him and we cannot do anything about it. But I urge parents to caution their children against going to the river. The river is flowing so fast now and you do not know if it is going to get higher again or not. Parents must stop their children from going near the river. This is the only way they can save their children from being washed down the river or drowning.”

Mustapha Fannami, a resident of the Dikwa Local Government Area, told RNI that two children had drowned in the river. “The corpse of a girl from Kashimburi was found close to the river. The girl had apparently gone to catch grasshoppers in the evening because there are solar-powered streetlights near the river. She was found the next day.”

Fannami said the other child was a boy from Mubdala who had gone to the farm to get some vegetables. “No one is sure what happened. We think he went for a swim. All we know is that his corpse was found among some of his belongings, a prayer mat and sack.

Wakil Abbas, a deputy ward head of Dikwa town, told RNI that all district, ward and village heads had been told to warn their people about the issue of children playing, bathing or swimming in the rivers. “Besides,” he said, “there is the cholera outbreak which is another reason to keep the children from the water.”

Abbas said the directive came from His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim Al-amin El-kanemi, the Shehu of the Dikwa Local Government Area.

“Everyone in this town must adhere to the rules and regulations, such as no one is allowed to play, bath or swim in a river. Even fishing in a river is not allowed. Just recently, two little children died in a river and that is why we are demanding that parents take control of their children and know where they are at all times. If anyone breaks these rules and regulations, they will have to face the wrath of the law.”

Mohammed Alhaji Gumsama, chairman of the Dikwa Local Government Area, was working to ensure enough CJTF and security operatives had been deployed to the river shores to make regular patrols.

“We are very grateful for the good people of Dikwa town as they comply with these directives but still, we are urging the people to be more law abiding by giving security operatives their maximum cooperation,” Abbas, the deputy ward head, said.

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO