Two children have died and several people were hospitalised after a heavy downpour triggered flooding and building collapses in Gandun Sarki community, Malam Madori Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The rain, which lasted for more than an hour on Thursday night, affected parts of the Hadejia Senatorial District, destroying homes and farmlands and forcing residents to flee flooded areas.
More than 20 houses reportedly collapsed during the downpour, while several others were submerged or surrounded by floodwaters.
Residents said the rain began late at night, catching many people asleep and leaving them with little time to evacuate.
One resident, Abubakar, appealed to the government for urgent assistance.
“We have lost everything. Government should please help us with shelter and relief materials,” he said.
The community leader, Malam Jamilu Bulama, confirmed the incident on Friday, saying he had directed his aides to compile a comprehensive list of affected residents in Gandun Sarki and neighbouring communities.
“I had ordered my aides to compile a full list of those affected in Gandun Sarki and nearby areas,” Bulama said.
He added that the names of victims would be documented and forwarded to the relevant authorities.
According to eyewitnesses, a building in the community collapsed in the early hours of Friday while its occupants were asleep, trapping several people inside.
Mr Sama’ila, the father of the two children who died, said the room collapsed while his children, aged five and eight, were sleeping.
“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 family members were receiving treatment at the hospital.
Another resident, Sani Abubakar, said his entire house was destroyed by floodwaters.
He appealed to the Jigawa State Government to provide immediate assistance to affected families, particularly shelter and relief materials.
