A tragic scene unfolded in the Phase 11 area of Lokoja, Kogi State, on Monday morning as a two-year-old boy named Godwin Kumfa was reported missing and suspected to have drowned in the Meme River.
The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. according to the boy’s father, Mr Mamtip Kumfa, who said he received a distress call from a neighbour informing him that his only son was missing. He rushed home from his duty post as a security guard at a private school, only to find his wife frantically searching by the river.
The mother, Mrs Lovina Kumfa, had reportedly left the boy sitting near the river while she went to collect sand. On returning, she could not find him. “Godwin was left alone by the river while she gathered sand,” Mr Kumfa said with sorrow. “Later, we found one of his shoes near Arigbede, about 10 kilometres downstream. I’m lost. Godwin is my only son.”
A family friend, Mr Seun Babalola, confirmed that the search team traced the river path and only found the child’s shoe. He recalled that a similar incident occurred two years ago at the same river, involving a seven-year-old boy named Goodluck Friday.
“We don’t know if it’s natural or something else. Only God knows,” he said.
Godwin’s mother was inconsolable, pleading through tears for divine help. “I left him just for a while. When I came back, he was gone. Please God, help me find my child,” she cried.
The community remains deeply shaken as local search parties continue efforts to recover the boy. Many have gathered to support the grieving family while hoping for a miracle.
#LokojaNews #ChildSafety #RiverTragedy #KogiState
