The National Emergency Management Agency and the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency have launched a search-and-rescue operation for two persons swept away by floodwaters in the Kaduna River.

The operation, involving the Kaduna State Fire Service, local divers, and other emergency responders, commenced early Sunday in the Hayin Mallam Bello community in the Kaduna South council area.

The victims were reportedly swept away on Saturday evening while attempting to cross the swollen river after heavy rainfall across parts of Kaduna metropolis.

The head of NEMA operations in Kaduna, Halima Suleiman, said the agency activated its emergency response team immediately after receiving a distress call. She said emergency personnel and local divers had searched the river for several hours, but the victims had yet to be found as of the time of filing this report.

The missing persons are Musa Musa Bawa, 27, a 200-level student at the College of Nursing, Tudun Wada, and Abubakar Ibrahim Muhammad Likoro, 25, an employee of Olam Flour Mills, Kaduna.

Ms Suleiman assured residents that the operation would continue until the victims were found.

“We will continue the search operation until the missing persons are found. NEMA, in collaboration with other emergency response agencies, remains committed to sustaining the operation until its objective is achieved,” Ms Suleiman explained.

She commended emergency responders and local volunteers for their commitment to the operation.

“I commend the dedication, professionalism and resilience of all emergency personnel and local volunteers participating in this search and rescue mission,” Ms Suleiman said.

The NEMA official said she had also visited the victims’ families to convey the agency’s sympathy and encourage them to remain hopeful.

Ms Suleiman appealed to residents to cooperate with emergency responders and avoid crossing flooded rivers, streams and drainage channels during and after heavy rainfall.

“We urge residents to avoid attempting to cross flooded rivers, streams or drainage channels during and after heavy rainfall. Members of the public should promptly report emergencies through the appropriate authorities to enable timely intervention,” the NEMA official said, adding that NEMA would continue public sensitisation on flood safety to reduce the risk of drowning and other flood-related incidents. 

(NAN)