Teenager Dies and Second Child Missing After Yobe River Incident

A 14-year-old boy lost his life and a second child was still unaccounted for after a river carried two children away in Dapchi, located in Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State. The event took place around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu in Dapchi. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) stated that the river swept the two children away, leading to a search-and-rescue effort that included emergency responders from the state and local government as well as local divers. One of the children, Goni Mustapha, aged 14, was pulled from the water at approximately 5:00 p.m. As of the time this report was compiled, the search for the second child was still underway. The occurrence has brought fresh attention to the risks linked to rivers and other waterways that have risen, especially during the rainy season, when water levels and currents can climb quickly. Parents and guardians in particular have been encouraged to make sure children do not play or swim in rivers and streams unless an adult is watching. The public has also been told not to try crossing rivers that are swollen or moving fast, and to promptly notify rescue teams or community leaders if someone falls into a body of water. Authorities and community leaders are expected to keep looking for the missing child while working to prevent similar events in the community.