A 16-year-old boy, identified as Miebaka Koko, has drowned while swimming with friends in the Ogoloma community of Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Derock Waterside in Ogoloma, where the teenager had gone swimming with three friends. He was reportedly swept away by a strong current while in the river.
Eyewitnesses said the victim’s friends quickly exited the water and raised the alarm after noticing that he was struggling.
Speaking to journalists, the Sector Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Okrika LGA, Igwe Godswill, blamed the incident on the increased depth of the river caused by extensive dredging activities in the area.
“Companies have dredged almost all the waterfront areas in Okrika Local Government Area, making the river much deeper. Just a step away from the riverbank can lead to a dangerously deep section,” he said.
Godswill explained that at about 1:30 p.m., four boys from the community went to Derock Waterside to swim.
“Shortly after they entered the water, we saw them running out while a woman nearby was shouting for help. Another man and I rushed to the scene and attempted to rescue the boy. At one point, only his hands were visible above the water.
“Unfortunately, the current was too strong, and the man who tried to save him could not reach him. The boy eventually drowned. It is a very painful incident,” he added.
The CJTF commander noted that recovering drowning victims from rivers in the area is often challenging and may take several days.
“Those familiar with this part of Rivers State know that when someone drowns in our rivers, it can take two or three days before the body is recovered,” he said.
Godswill urged parents and guardians to warn their children against swimming in unsafe locations and to closely monitor their movements.
“I advise parents to educate their children about the dangers of swimming in these rivers. Most of our waterways have been dredged and have become extremely dangerous. Parents should also know where their children go at all times,” he said.
He further disclosed that security personnel, including a police officer and soldiers from Sector 3, witnessed the incident.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the family had yet to officially report the matter to the police.
“The family has not made any formal report to the police. We encourage them to do so to enable us commence a proper investigation and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” she stated.
