14-Year-Old Drowns, Child Missing After River Sweeps Them Away in Yobe

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.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who cited community sources, the two children were swept away by the river, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation.

The operation involved emergency personnel from the state and local government authorities, alongside local divers.

Makama said one of the victims, identified as 14-year-old Goni Mustapha, was recovered from the water at about 5 p.m.

However, efforts were still ongoing to locate the second child as of the time of the report.

The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers posed by rivers and other water bodies during the rainy season, when increased water levels and strong currents can make them particularly dangerous.

Residents have been urged to keep children away from rivers and streams and to ensure that they are not allowed to swim or play around water bodies without adult supervision.

Members of the public have also been advised against attempting to cross swollen or fast-flowing rivers and to immediately alert emergency responders or community leaders when a person falls into a water body.

The search for the missing child is expected to continue as emergency teams and community members work to locate the victim.