Torrential rains destroy homes, displace families in Jigawa

Heavy rains have destroyed at least 70 houses and damaged dozens more in Malam Madori Local Government Area of Jigawa State, leaving many families displaced.

The downpour, which began late Saturday and lasted until Sunday morning, submerged several communities, with Tonikutara, Gandun Sarki, Gandun Bundugoma, and Shagari Quarters among the worst affected.

Floodwaters overwhelmed culverts and waterways, forcing residents to abandon their homes.

Dan-Ummah Abba, a resident of Gandun Sarki, said his house was among more than 30 destroyed, urging the state government to provide urgent relief.

Bulama Jamilu, a community leader, confirmed that most displaced families were now taking shelter with relatives.

Chairman of Malam Madori LGA, Salisu Sani Garun-Gabas, expressed sympathy to the victims and directed the local emergency committee to conduct an assessment.

Vice Chairman of the committee, Amina Haruna Dokajo, said the lawmaker representing the area, Hamza Adamu Babayaro, had donated tippers of soil and other relief items to assist affected households.

She also disclosed plans to install a water pump engine in Gandun Sarki to channel floodwaters away.

A state government delegation led by the Senior Special Adviser on Flood, Hamza Muhammad Hadejia, visited the communities and assured residents of immediate intervention to mitigate the impact and prevent future disasters.