The Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, has emphasized the importance of parental vigilance during school breaks after a tragic incident involving a five-year-old girl from Naituvatuvatu Village in Wainibuka, Tailevu. The young girl was swept away by strong currents while attempting to cross the Waisomi River with seven other children and her aunt after they had gathered edible lady fern. Sadly, her body was recovered the following morning.
Authorities learned of the incident from the village headman, prompting the deployment of three police officers to assist in the search effort. Unfortunately, the search had to be suspended due to darkness and adverse weather conditions but resumed the next day, resulting in the recovery of the child’s body.
In light of this heartbreaking event, ACPO Driu has urged parents to exercise heightened responsibility during the school holidays, advocating for families to spend more time together and to avoid large gatherings and festivities that could distract from the safety of children.
This incident serves as a stark reminder to prioritize child safety, and it is hoped that through increased awareness and vigilance, similar tragedies can be averted in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life, it encourages a collective effort to keep children safe, underscoring the critical role parents play during school breaks.
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