Residents of Bara community in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State have blamed an unfinished road construction project for the devastating flood that killed two people, destroyed homes and left many families homeless.
Speaking after the disaster, community members alleged that the ongoing road project altered the natural flow of water, causing floodwaters to overflow into residential areas during heavy rainfall.
One of the affected residents, Dahiru Yuguda, said the community had never witnessed such a disaster in its history, noting that the flood destroyed homes, livestock and other valuable property.
According to him, the road project was left incomplete without proper drainage channels, forcing rainwater into houses and surrounding areas.
The residents said the incident has left many families without shelter, with women and children forced to occupy the few buildings still standing, while several young people now sleep outdoors.
Another victim, Adamu Muhammad, said the flood wiped out everything in his compound, including the family well, which served as their only source of water. He added that residents had to evacuate elderly people to a nearby mosque for safety during the disaster.
The community has appealed to the government, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent assistance, including shelter, relief materials and completion of the road project to prevent future tragedies.
The flood, triggered by heavy rainfall and strong winds, reportedly claimed the lives of 50-year-old Aisha Sagir and her four-year-old granddaughter, Aisha Shuaibu, while several houses and properties were destroyed across the community.
