By Uzair Adam
Residents of Chikaji, located in the Sabon-Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, are urgently seeking assistance from the government and charitable individuals following a devastating flood that swept through the area.
Several media reports indicated that the flood caused extensive damage, washing away cemeteries, homes, and properties.
Triggered by a seven-hour downpour from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, the flood has severely impacted the community.
The Village Head of Chikaji, Alhaji Auwal Sani-Dambaba, reported on Tuesday that over 200 houses were affected.
He also mentioned that the flood caused significant destruction to the LEA Primary School and desecrated a large section of the Ojo Cemetery.
Although no lives were lost, many graves were disturbed, and residents are now taking refuge in nearby neighborhoods.
To address the immediate needs of the cemetery, Malam Suleiman Liman, the Chief Imam of Chikaji Central Mosque, has called an emergency meeting with local philanthropists to discuss relief efforts.
Among the victims is Malam Ibrahim Ahmed, whose two-bedroom home was reduced to rubble.
He expressed gratitude that the flooding occurred during daylight, which allowed residents to take swift action, although he lost all his belongings while trying to protect his children.
Community leader Alhaji Gafai Katsina highlighted the difficult situation for many flood victims, noting that some families are now staying with less affected neighbors or have returned to their parents’ homes temporarily.
Reacting to the disaster, a statement from the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen, emphasized the need for swift government intervention and called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide immediate support to the affected residents.
The Speaker also urged residents to take precautionary measures and adhere to safety advice from authorities to minimize further risks associated with flooding.