By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, FEMD, said it has intensified the search for 13 year old, Great Duru, who dived into the Apa River at Urumi village after Idu Railway junction.
The incident occurred on Thursday when the victim jumped into the river in an attempt to rescue his sister, who had fallen into the water while they were playing near the riverbank with another sibling and a friend. While the sister managed to swim to safety, Great was carried away by the current and has not been seen since.
Head, Public Affairs of the department, Nkechi Isa, said the Search and Rescue Team of the FEMD had mobilized to the Apa River following a distress call on the112 emergency toll free number at about 3.45pm on Thursday.
According to the FEMD, “Great Duru alongside his 2 siblings and a friend had gone to the river bank to play when one of them fell into the river prompting Great Duru to jump into the water.
“He was swept away by the fast flowing river as he attempted to save his sister who fell into the river. However his sister miraculously swam to safety.”
FEMD, while at Urumi Village visited the Gbagyi and Ibo traditional Heads as well as the family of Duru who were said to have traveled out of Abuja.
Meanwhile, the search for 13 year old Great Duru continues with FEMD collaborating with local divers in the area.
Meanwhile, the Ag Director General of FEMD, Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed has appealed to parents and guardians to monitor their wards and children to prevent avoidable incidents.
While assuring that FEMD would continue the search for Great Duru, he urged residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
