14-year-old drowns, another child missing after being swept away by Yobe river
DAPCHI, Yobe State — A 14-year-old boy drowned and another child remains missing after they were swept away by a river in the Dapchi community on Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on October 4, 2026, at Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu in Dapchi. Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported on social media that the two children were carried off by the river, prompting immediate search-and-rescue efforts. Teams from the state and local government, along with local divers, were deployed to assist in the operation.
By approximately 5:00 p.m., divers recovered the body of 14-year-old Goni Mustapha from the water. As of this report, efforts to locate the second child are ongoing.
This tragic event has raised concerns regarding the hazards posed by swollen rivers during the rainy season when water levels can rise quickly. Community members, especially parents and guardians, are being urged to supervise children closely and to prevent them from playing or swimming near rivers and streams.
Residents are also advised against attempting to cross fast-moving or swollen rivers. In cases of emergencies, it is recommended that individuals notify rescue teams or local leaders promptly.
Authorities and community leaders are committed to continuing the search for the missing child, as well as implementing measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
