Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The Gombe State Police Command has issued a renewed public safety advisory following the tragic drowning of at least four persons during recent heavy rainfall in the state.
In a statement on Friday, the Command described the incidents as “entirely preventable”, and urged residents to exercise heightened caution during the ongoing rainy season, particularly around open water bodies and erosion-prone areas.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, emphasized the need for collective vigilance, especially by parents, guardians, and local communities. He noted that children and other vulnerable individuals should be kept indoors during rainfall or strictly warned against approaching rivers, streams, or drainage sites until after the rains have stopped.
“We are urging residents to avoid flooded roads, unregulated water bodies, or erosion sites, whether on foot or while driving,” Abdullahi said. “The depth and current of such waters are often unpredictable and extremely dangerous.”
As part of its preventive strategy, the Command is advocating for the installation of warning signs and barricades around hazardous zones. Residents are also encouraged to report potentially dangerous areas to the appropriate authorities for immediate intervention.
This latest advisory follows an alarming increase in drowning incidents across the state, as torrential rains continue to overwhelm urban and rural waterways, putting lives—particularly of children—at risk.
The police urged community leaders and local governments to work together to ensure that public safety measures are in place, including drainage clearance, early warning systems, and community awareness campaigns.
“These tragedies can be avoided,” the statement said. “We call on all residents to prioritize safety and take responsibility for protecting lives, especially during this unpredictable season,” it added.