Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Two children have been reported dead while several residents were injured and displaced after heavy rainfall triggered flooding and building collapses in Gandun Sarki community, Malam Madori Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The downpour, which lasted for more than an hour on Thursday night, caused widespread destruction across parts of the community, destroying homes and affecting farmlands.
Residents said more than 20 houses collapsed during the storm, while several others were submerged or surrounded by floodwaters, forcing families to flee their homes.
According to eyewitness accounts, one of the buildings collapsed while occupants were asleep, trapping members of a family inside.
Mr Sama’ila, whose children were among the victims, said the structure caved in during the night.
“My two children, aged 5 and 8, died in the incident. Other female members of the family were rushed to Hadejia General Hospital,” he said.
He added that the injured victims were receiving treatment at the hospital.
Another resident, Sani Abubakar, said the flood destroyed his home and appealed for urgent government assistance.
“We have lost everything. Government should please help us with shelter and relief materials,” Abubakar said.
The community leader, Malam Jamilu Bulama, confirmed the incident and said efforts were underway to document affected residents and communities for possible intervention.
“The names of all victims will be documented and forwarded to the appropriate authorities,” Bulama stated.
He noted that drainage systems and culverts constructed by the Jigawa State Government last year helped reduce the impact of the flood in some parts of the area.
The Hadejia Zonal Public Relations Officer, Musa Muhammad, also confirmed the incident, saying authorities were monitoring the situation and assessing the extent of the damage.
As of Friday evening, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency had not issued an official statement on the disaster, which left many residents homeless and intensified concerns over recurring flooding in vulnerable communities across the state.
