THE Maiduguri community was thrown into grief on Tuesday following the discovery of the lifeless body of a young hawker, believed to be about 12 years old, in the Gamboru River, located in the Customs area of the city.
Residents told News Point Nigeria that the child was first spotted floating along the riverbank before being pulled out by community members, who then alerted the authorities.
Incidents of drowning are sadly not uncommon in Maiduguri and across Borno State, particularly during the rainy season when rivers and canals swell beyond their banks. Many vulnerable children, especially Almajiri pupils and young hawkers trying to earn a living, are left unsupervised and often exposed to the dangers of flooded waterways.
According to residents, the boy may have been swept away from another part of the city by strong currents before ending up at the Gamboru River.
One resident, Mustapha Shaibu, told journalists: “His identity is not known. He was already dead when we found him. We suspect floodwaters carried him from somewhere he was swimming and brought him to this side.”
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the boy’s remains have been deposited at the mortuary while efforts continue to trace his family.
“The police were contacted by members of the community in the Customs area around 2 pm. We suspect that the boy was either a hawker or an Almajiri. He is likely to be about 12 years old,” Daso said.
He added: “His parents are yet to be identified. We are still trying to trace his family. His remains have been deposited in the mortuary.”
The police spokesperson also used the occasion to caution parents and guardians to keep a closer watch on their children as the rainy season continues.
“Parents must keep an eye on their children and ensure that they do not go swimming in the rivers,” Daso warned.
