14-year-old boy drowns, another missing in Yobe River

A 14-year-old boy has drowned after two children 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 the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), 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.

One of the children, identified as Goni Mustapha, 14, was recovered from the water at about 5:00 p.m.

However, 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 not to attempt to cross fast-flowing or swollen rivers and to immediately alert rescue teams or community leaders whenever a person 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.