From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Emergency responders in Kaduna are increasing their search and rescue efforts for two individuals reported missing after a drowning incident in the Kaduna River following heavy rain on Saturday.
The *NEMA Operations Office is coordinating the operation, Kaduna*, in partnership with the *Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, KADSEMA*, the *Kaduna State Fire Service*, and other emergency responders.
The Head of NEMA Operations Office, Kaduna, *Hajia Halima S. Suleiman*, stated that the incident happened in the evening of Saturday, 18th July 2026, after heavy rainfall across parts of Kaduna city.
Upon receiving a distress call, Hajia Suleiman immediately mobilized personnel and activated the emergency response team to the scene.
The search and rescue effort began early Sunday morning, 19th July 2026, at Hayin Mallam Bello Community in Kaduna South Local Government Area.
Local divers and emergency responders were dispatched to the river and have been searching the area for hours for the victims, who were allegedly swept away while trying to cross the river.
Despite ongoing and coordinated efforts by all response agencies, neither of the two victims had been found at the time of this report.
The missing persons are identified as *Musa Musa Bawa*, 27, a 200-level student at the College of Nursing, Tudun Wada, and *Abubakar Ibrahim Muhammad Likoro*, 25, an employee at Olam Flour Mills, Kaduna.
At the scene, Hajia Suleiman assured the local community that the search would continue until the missing persons are located.
She reaffirmed NEMA’s pledge, along with other emergency agencies, to keep the search active until the goal is achieved.
The NEMA leader commended the dedication, professionalism, and resilience of all personnel and local volunteers involved in the effort.
During a visit to the families of the missing, Hajia Suleiman expressed NEMA’s sincere sympathy and urged them to stay hopeful.
She also called on the public to stay calm and cooperate with emergency responders as the search continues.
Hajia Suleiman warned residents to avoid crossing flooded rivers, streams, or drainage channels during and after heavy rain.
She noted that increased water levels across the state make such crossings very dangerous.
The operation head assured that NEMA will continue to inform the public about safety tips and the importance of caution during the rainy season.
She urged residents to report emergencies promptly to the proper authorities for quick action.
Officials from KADSEMA and the Fire Service said more divers and equipment have been sent to expand the search along the river.
Community leaders in Hayin Mallam Bello expressed gratitude to the emergency teams for their quick response and pledged to support the search with local river knowledge.
As the search continues into its second day, family members, friends, and colleagues of the missing persons have gathered at the riverbank, praying for their safe return.
NEMA announced it will update the public as the operation moves forward.
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