A 16-year-old student, Praise Malachi, lost her life in a flood as she hurried home to view her Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) outcome, which friends had said was outstanding. The incident occurred on a rainy evening in Samaru, Zaria.
Praise, a final-year student at Government Day Secondary School in Samaru, had recently earned a scholarship from the Centre for Girls Education Zaria, recognizing her exceptional academic achievements. On the evening in question, shortly after a downpour, her friends informed her father that her exam results had been released and were excellent. Excited, she rushed across a small river formed by severe erosion to reach home and check her phone.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck when she slipped and was swept away by the swollen waters. Her body was recovered the next day in Hunkuyi, located in Kudan Local Government Area, far from the site of the accident.
Neighbours Danladi Mudi and Emma Yashi explained that the environmental degradation due to erosion has worsened flooding problems in the community, making areas like Samaru dangerous during heavy rains.
Habiba Mohammed, Director of the Centre for Girls Education, expressed sorrow over the loss of one of their brightest students.
Praise was an outstanding and well-behaved child who inspired many – she said.
Mohammed also urged local authorities to act promptly by tackling the erosion and constructing a bridge on that hazardous route to prevent similar accidents.
Praise is not the first young person to perish in these floods; lives have been lost here before – Yashi
Zaria has been dealing with increasingly severe flooding incidents. In August 2024, a massive flood affected over 200 homes in Chikaji, damaged a local primary school, and destroyed part of the Hayin Ojo Cemetery. Residents continue to call on government bodies and charitable organizations to provide relief and implement long-term solutions.
Emmanuel Malachi, Praise’s father, recalled his last moment with his late daughter
It was around 6 pm after the rain stopped when her friends rushed to my shop to share the good news about her results. Praise was excited and dashed off to check them. I never imagined I would not see her again
Habiba Mohammed added,
We are deeply mournful over her passing. She was a bright star with a promising future. I call on the relevant agencies to address the erosion and flooding risks in this community urgently
The urgent need for infrastructural improvements and environmental management has become more apparent in Zaria, as the community grieves this untimely loss. The hope remains that local leaders will prioritize the safety of residents by addressing the root causes of flooding and erosion in Zaria. Until then, families like Praise’s bear the profound cost of these challenges.
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