The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of three teenage boys who drowned in a river near Jinkiri Village, in Bauchi Local Government Area.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Wakil, revealed the incident to journalists on Wednesday in Bauchi, stating that the tragedy occurred at around 1 p.m. on Sunday.
The victims, identified as Habibu Mohammed (16), Abubakar Mohammed (16), and Zailani Sule (14), were all residents of Durum Village. According to preliminary investigations, the teenagers had been engaged in informal mining activities in the area before deciding to swim in the nearby river, where they tragically drowned.
“Despite prompt efforts to get medical help, they sadly died before reaching the hospital,” Wakil said.
He added that the bodies were examined and confirmed dead at Bauchi Specialist Hospital, after which they were released to their families for burial in line with Islamic rites.
Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu extended condolences to the grieving families and stressed the need for heightened public awareness around water safety, especially during periods of unpredictable weather.
The police have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
Wakil also reiterated the command’s commitment to increasing safety education and prevention efforts to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
