Parts of the Niger State capital of Minna, have experienced havoc caused by flood which destroyed property estimated at over N100 million and displaced several residents of the metropolis.
The incident happened in the wee hours of Saturday following a heavy downpour that overwhelmed parts of Imani community in Minna South and M.I. Wushishi area of the State’s capital city.
Abdullahi Idris, a former Chairman of the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and a community leader in the affected area confirmed the development in a statement made available to journalists.
The statement offered that several houses were submerged, while vehicles, electrical appliances, fences and other valuables were damaged by the flood.
At M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate, Tunga, Maitunbi, Chanchaga and Shango areas, residents said the heavy rain destroyed fences, houses and swept away everything that stood on its part.
Residents of the M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate at the Eastern-Bypass of Minna, stated that floodwater swept through parts of the community, carrying debris and damaging houses, vehicles, a mosque and an Islamic school.
They blamed the worsening situation partly on inadequate drainage infrastructure, which they said had left communities vulnerable whenever there was heavy rainfall.
They also raised concerns over a dam reportedly constructed in the area by a man identified as Captain Taylor, saying the situation had become more severe in recent years.
The affected residents appealed to the Niger State Government, humanitarian organisations, philanthropists and other stakeholders to urgently intervene, provide relief to displaced families and address the drainage challenges responsible for recurring flooding.
Without urgent measures, they warned, further heavy rainfall could result in more destruction and put lives and property at greater risk.
