Two Children Feared Dead as Flood Destroys Over 20 Houses in Jigawa

Two children are feared dead and several others were hospitalised after heavy rainfall caused buildings to collapse and triggered flooding in Gandun Sarki community, Malam Madori Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The rain, which lasted for more than an hour on Thursday night, caused widespread destruction across parts of the Hadejia Senatorial District, affecting homes and farmlands.

More than 20 houses reportedly collapsed, while several others were submerged or surrounded by floodwater, forcing residents to flee their homes.

According to eyewitnesses, the rain fell late at night while many residents were asleep. A building in Gandun Sarki collapsed in the early hours, trapping people inside.

Sama’ila, the father of the two victims, said his children, aged five and eight, died when the room they were sleeping in collapsed. Other female members of the family were rescued and taken to Hadejia General Hospital for treatment.

One resident, Sani Abubakar, said the flood completely destroyed his home. He appealed to the Jigawa State Government for emergency assistance, including shelter and relief materials.

Community leader Malam Jamilu Bulama confirmed the incident and said officials were compiling a list of affected residents to forward to the relevant authorities.

He noted that the damage could have been worse because drainage systems and culverts constructed by the state government last year helped divert some of the floodwater.

As of Friday evening, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had not released an official statement on the incident.

However, Hadejia Zonal Public Relations Officer Musa Muhammad confirmed the flooding, saying the authorities were aware of the casualties and damage and were monitoring the situation.

Jigawa State regularly experiences flooding during the rainy season, particularly in communities located near waterways. Poor drainage, blocked culverts and indiscriminate dumping of waste often worsen the impact of heavy rainfall.

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