Tragedy struck in Jinkiri Village, Tirwun Ward of Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State, as three teenage boys drowned in a river while swimming.
Information gathered that the incident occurred around 1pm on Tuesday when the boys, all residents of Durum Village, were enjoying a swim after reportedly engaging in mining activities nearby.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the spokesman for the state police command, Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, identified the victims as Habibu Mohammed, aged 16; Abubakar Mohammed, also aged 16; and Zailani Sule, aged 14.
Wakil stated, “A recent incident in Jinkiri Village, Tirwun Ward, Bauchi Local Government Area, has led to the tragic loss of three teenagers: Habibu Mohammed ‘m,’ aged 16 years; Abubakar Mohammed ‘m,’ aged 16 years; and Zailani Sule ‘m,’ aged 14 years, residents of Durum Village.
“The young teenagers unfortunately lost their lives after an accident while swimming in a nearby river.”
He added that despite efforts to rescue them and obtain medical assistance, “the teenagers were pronounced dead before reaching the hospital.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the teenagers had been engaged in mining activities before deciding to swim in the river,” the statement read.
Wakil, on behalf of the police command, expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
“In light of this heartbreaking situation, the Nigeria Police Force Bauchi State Command under the able leadership of the Commissioner of Police CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu expresses its deepest condolences to the families affected and underscores the critical need for heightened safety awareness during water activities, especially during inclement weather,” he noted.
He added that an investigation had been launched into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, and the bodies had been released to the families for burial after medical examination at the Specialist Hospital in Bauchi.
“The Command is committed to promoting safety and awareness within the community to prevent similar incidents in the future,” Wakil concluded.
