A heartbreaking tragedy struck Bauchi State on Tuesday as three teenagers drowned while swimming in a river located in the Gubi area on the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis.
The victims, all males aged between 14 and 17, were reportedly part of a group of friends who had gone to the river to swim and cool off amid the sweltering afternoon heat. According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around 3:00 PM when the boys ventured into deeper parts of the river and were overwhelmed by the current.
Local residents and emergency responders rushed to the scene after hearing calls for help. Despite frantic rescue efforts, the three boys were recovered unresponsive and later confirmed dead.
Bauchi State Police Command spokesperson, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident, stating that the police had launched an investigation while also working with the community to ensure proper identification of the victims and to support the grieving families.
“This is a painful loss for the families and the entire community,” Wakil said. “We urge parents to caution their children against swimming in rivers, especially during this rainy season when water levels and currents can be unpredictable and dangerous.”
The Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (BASEMA) has also expressed condolences and reiterated its commitment to intensifying public safety awareness campaigns, particularly in rural communities where unsupervised swimming is common.