A devastating early morning flood has claimed the life of a seven-year-old boy, Mohammed Mohammed, in Emiliman Nasarafu Ward of Bida Local Government Area, Niger State.
The torrential rainfall, which lasted from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., caused severe flooding in parts of the community, destroying homes and businesses. According to residents, the disaster was worsened by the diversion of drainage channels by Arab Contractors, the firm currently handling a major bypass road construction in the area.
An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, alleged that the company’s redirection of water channels has made the area vulnerable to flooding. “Each time it rains, we suffer massive water overflow. It’s becoming unbearable,” the resident said.
The victim, Mohammed, was reportedly sent on an errand shortly after the rain stopped. He never returned. His father, Mohammed Usman, tearfully recounted the family’s grief:
“We believe in the will of God, but it’s painful that, as I speak, my son’s body is yet to be found.”
Despite hours of intense search efforts by members of the community, the boy remains missing. Locals continue to comb through affected areas in hopes of recovering his remains.
Residents are now calling on the Niger State Government and relevant emergency agencies to investigate the drainage issues and ensure the safety of communities near the construction site.
This tragic incident adds to growing concerns about urban planning failures, inadequate flood control infrastructure, and the vulnerability of children during Nigeria’s rainy season.
