Tragedy struck the Durum community in Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Tuesday as three teenagers lost their lives in a drowning incident that has left residents in deep sorrow.
The deceased, identified as 16-year-old Habibu Mohammed, 16-year-old Abubakar Mohammed, and 14-year-old Zailani Sule, reportedly went swimming in a river following mining activities earlier in the day.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the tragic event occurred around 1pm, and though locals rushed the boys to the Specialist Hospital in Bauchi, they were confirmed dead upon arrival.
Speaking to security analyst and Lake Chad counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the head of Jinkiri Village, Yakubu Ahmad, shared the community’s pain, saying, “They came here often for mining and used to swim in the river after work. But this time, their luck ran out. We are heartbroken.”
In a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, the command confirmed the incident and said that an investigation is underway to uncover the full circumstances of the drowning.
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 statement read.
Wakil further explained that the victims had been involved in mining before they proceeded to swim.
“The teenagers, unfortunately, lost their lives after an accident while swimming in a nearby river,” he added.
Despite efforts to save them, “the teenagers were pronounced dead before reaching the hospital.”
Preliminary investigations revealed the boys had just concluded mining before entering the water.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that the teenagers had been engaged in mining activities before deciding to swim in the river,” Wakil said.
On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, the command extended its sympathies 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, 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,” Wakil said.
He concluded that the bodies had been handed over to the families for burial after a medical examination and that the command remains committed to raising safety awareness in the community.
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