THREE teenage boys tragically drowned while swimming in a river in Jinkiri Village, Tirwun Ward of Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State.
The incident, confirmed by the Bauchi State Police Command in a statement today, involved Habibu Mohammed and Abubakar Mohammed, both aged 16, and Zailani Sule, aged 14—all residents of Durum Village.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmad Wakili, preliminary investigations revealed that the boys had been involved in mining activities prior to entering the river to swim.
The tragedy occurred around 1:00 p.m., and efforts to get medical help were unsuccessful, as the victims were pronounced dead before arriving at the hospital.
Commissioner of Police CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and emphasized the importance of water safety, particularly during the rainy season.
“The Command is committed to raising awareness and ensuring community safety to prevent similar tragedies,” the statement read.
Following medical examination at the Specialist Hospital in Bauchi, the bodies were released to the families for burial in accordance with local customs. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is currently underway.
The police have urged residents, especially young people, to exercise caution during recreational or work-related activities near water bodies.