Two teenagers drown as floods hit Kaduna community

A 17-year-old and a 19-year-old have drowned in a river at Askplaye community, Kaduna State, following days of heavy rainfall that caused flooding in several parts of the state.

The victims were identified as Abubakar Mohammed, 17, and Suleiman Yakubu, 19.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the deaths, but said the victims’ bodies had not been recovered as of Monday.

The incident occurred amid flooding triggered by torrential rainfall that swept through parts of Kaduna metropolis for about four consecutive days, from Thursday to Monday.

NEMA’s North-West Operations Office said the prolonged downpour caused flash floods in some communities, with floodwaters covering roads and leaving some residents temporarily trapped in their homes.

The agency said the situation also affected movement across the affected areas, prompting residents to exercise caution.

Following the flooding, NEMA and the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), alongside other stakeholders, commenced assessments to determine the extent of the damage and the needs of affected communities.

NEMA said its Head of Operations, Hajia Halima Suleiman, led the assessment team during visits to communities impacted by the flooding.

The team also visited Yakubu’s family, where Suleiman expressed condolences over the teenager’s death and offered support to the bereaved relatives.

NEMA said monitoring of the affected areas would continue in collaboration with KADSEMA and other emergency responders.

The agency added that the ongoing assessment would help determine the appropriate assistance required and guide further emergency response to the flooding.