Tragedy has struck Niger State once more as another heavy flood hit Bida town, claiming the life of a seven-year-old boy and destroying properties. The incident follows less than a month after floods in Mokwa killed over 200 people and damaged countless homes.
The latest disaster was caused by a three-hour rainfall on Thursday morning, leading to massive flooding across Bida, the headquarters of the Bida Local Government Area. The victim, Mohammed Mohammed from Nasarafu Ward, was reportedly sent on an errand after the rain stopped. The floodwaters swept him away before anyone could help.
Eyewitnesses said several people nearby watched helplessly, afraid to enter the powerful currents. His father, Mohammed Usman, expressed deep sorrow, saying the boy’s body had still not been found despite ongoing search efforts by the community.
Just two weeks ago, a similar flood in Bida around the GRA-Federal Polytechnic Road caused the collapse of homes, a bridge, culverts, and businesses. Though that incident recorded no deaths, the destruction was severe.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency confirmed Thursday’s incident but stated that damage assessments were still underway. The agency promised that the state government would take appropriate action after the evaluation.
In response to the repeated disasters, the Federal Government has donated N2 billion and 20 truckloads of grains to support victims across the state.
