14-year-old drowns, another child missing after being swept away by Yobe river

A 14-year-old boy has drowned while another child remains missing after they were swept away by a river in Dapchi community, Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The incident occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu in Dapchi.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, in a post on X on Monday, quoted community sources as saying the two children were swept away by the river, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation involving state and local government emergency teams as well as local divers.

According to Makama, one of the children, identified as 14-year-old Goni Mustapha, was recovered from the water at about 5:00 p.m.

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He said efforts were ongoing to locate the second child as of the time of filing this report.

The incident has renewed concerns over the dangers posed by swollen rivers and other water bodies, particularly during the rainy season when water levels and currents can rise rapidly.

Residents, particularly parents and guardians, have been urged to ensure that children do not play or swim near rivers and streams without adult supervision.

Members of the public have also been advised against attempting to cross fast-flowing or swollen rivers and to immediately alert rescue teams or community leaders whenever anyone falls into a water body.

Authorities and community leaders are expected to continue the search for the missing child while efforts are made to prevent similar incidents in the community.

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