A devastating flood in the Emiliman Nasarafu Ward 2 B of the Bida Local Council in Niger State has claimed the life of a 7-year-old boy, Mohammed Mohammed. The flood occurred on Thursday, June 26, 2025, following two hours of intense rain between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Details of the Incident
- *Cause of the Flood*: The flood was reportedly caused by the diversion of natural drainage channels by Arab Contractors, the firm handling the construction of a bypass road in the area.
- *Circumstances of the Boy's Death*: Mohammed was sent on an errand shortly after the rain stopped but was caught by the raging flood and drowned. Despite a communal search and rescue effort, the boy's body has not been found yet.
- *Father's Reaction*: The boy's father, Mohammed Usman, expressed his grief, saying, "My pain is that, up to this moment, my son's body has not been found."
Response from Authorities
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) is conducting an assessment of the incident. The state government is expected to respond accordingly after the findings ¹.
Community Impact
The incident has sparked concerns about the construction company's role in exacerbating the flood risk in the area. Residents blame Arab Contractors for diverting the natural drainage channel into the residential community, which has led to the destruction of buildings and business premises whenever it rains ².
Conclusion
This tragic incident highlights the importance of proper infrastructure planning and execution to prevent such disasters in the future. The community is currently grappling with the loss of a young life, and efforts are ongoing to locate the boy's body ³.
