A 14-year-old boy has died after being swept away by a river in Dapchi, Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State, while another child who was with him remains missing.

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

According to information shared by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Monday, the two children were carried away by the strong current, prompting residents and emergency responders to begin a search operation.

Body of teenager recovered

One of the victims was identified as 14-year-old Goni Mustapha.

Makama said Mustapha was recovered from the river at approximately 5:00 p.m., several hours after the children were swept away.

The search for the second child was still ongoing at the time the report was filed, with emergency personnel, local divers and community members involved in the rescue effort.

Residents warned as rainy season raises risks

The incident has again drawn attention to the dangers posed by swollen rivers and streams, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when water levels can rise quickly and currents become difficult to navigate.

Parents and guardians have been urged to keep children away from rivers and other potentially dangerous water bodies unless they are under close adult supervision.

Residents have also been advised against attempting to cross flooded or fast-moving waterways.

People who witness an accident involving a river or other body of water are encouraged to immediately contact emergency responders or community leaders rather than putting themselves at risk.

Authorities and local residents are expected to continue efforts to locate the missing child while working to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the community.