A severe flood struck Bida, the capital of Bida Local Government Area in Niger State, on Saturday, destroying eleven homes, a bridge, and a culvert. The disaster, which occurred just a week after a similar tragedy in Mokwa, resulted in significant property losses but no casualties. Heavy rainfall, lasting from 3 am to 8 am, caused the flooding, severely impacting the Kodogi/Nasarafatu road and the Federal Polytechnic to G.R.A. road in Bida.
The state government, represented by Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change Mohammed Yakubu Kolo, conducted an immediate on-site assessment. Kolo expressed deep sympathy for those affected and assured residents that repairs, including the rehabilitation of a one-kilometer road, would begin within 48 hours to prevent future incidents. He also pledged to tackle the area’s ecological issues urgently.
Residents blamed the flood on a road construction company, Arab Contractors, allegedly diverted drainage during roadwork, channeling large volumes of water into the Kodogi and Nasarafatu communities. Abubakar Bida, a resident, reported that the diverted water caused millions of naira in damages. Another resident, Yakubu Mohammed from Manse Musa Kodogi, noted that the area has faced similar erosion problems since 2014, even before the recent construction.
He highlighted the severe impact, with many residents now homeless and local businesses paralyzed. Mohammed appealed to Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago for urgent assistance to support the struggling communities. The government’s swift response addresses immediate relief and long-term solutions to prevent further flooding in Bida.
