Flood in Zaria claims two siblings’ lives, leaves others missing

Tragic flooding swept through parts of Zaria, Kaduna State on Monday, resulting in the deaths of two young people and several others missing after being caught in fast-moving water. The incident occurred in the Tudun Jukun neighbourhood, where heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems.

Following a torrential downpour, floodwaters surged in the Tudun Jukun area, leading to the loss of 18-year-old Fatima Sani Dan Marke and her fellow student, Yusuf Surajo, widely known as Abba. Both bodies were recovered near Isan Nabawa Primary School bridge, with Fatima’s remains found Tuesday, a day after Yusuf’s.

At the time, Fatima was carrying her three-year-old sister, Haneefa, on her back as they returned from their grandmother’s home in nearby Magume. Fatima’s Islamiyya instructor, nicknamed Mallam Daddy, had kindly offered to ferry them on his motorcycle. However, at a junction near Nasara Baptist Church, the rising water levels caused the driver to lose control near an uncovered drainage section, forcing the siblings off the bike.

According to Mustapha Badamasi Dan Bakano, a witness, Fatima slipped while attempting to cross the drainage and fell into the rushing waters along with little Haneefa, who remains missing. Another local man tried heroically to save them but was also swept away, with his burial held this week.

The imam leading Yusuf’s funeral in Tudun Jukun described how the young man had suffered a forehead injury after hitting a submerged iron rod. Residents pointed out that the area’s location near the Kubanni River and incomplete concrete covers on the drainage may have worsened the danger, leaving certain sections exposed to the flood.

Another young girl, Zainab Abdulkadir, was also caught by floodwaters near the GRA Sabon Gari road while heading home from school. Witnesses said despite the swift action of local swimmers, she could not be saved and remains unaccounted for.

This tragedy follows previous flood incidents in Zaria reported, including the loss of a 16-year-old named Praise Malachi last month reported by Dawn Herald. Praise had slipped into a swollen river while rushing to check her SSCE results. Her grieving father described the erosion and flooding as ongoing hazards in the region.

In August, a building collapse triggered by heavy rains further compounded the crisis, killing a mother and three children in Limancin Kona, Zaria. Such repeated disasters show the urgent need for structural improvements and precautionary measures.

Dr. Umar Tabari Yero, lecturer and community member, described the recent events as preventable. He urged parents to heed weather forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, cautioning against letting children venture out during or shortly after rain when roads and pathways remain perilous.
He advised that schools should retain pupils after heavy rainfall until it is safe for them to leave. He added that communities must prioritise weather information in their planning and housing upkeep to avoid further calamities.

Residents have appealed for authorities to address vulnerabilities, such as open drainage channels and poor flood controls, that expose families to these recurring hazards.