By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The remains of three-year-old Haneefa, the last missing victim of last week’s devastating flood in Tudun Jukun, Zaria, have been recovered, bringing a tragic close to the search operation.
The recovery was confirmed on Sunday, September 14th, by the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Zaria division.
In a statement, official Abdulmumin Adamu said the body was discovered at approximately 11:00am at Gangaren Kasan Killaco in the Gyallesu area.
“This recovery concludes the search and confirms that all the flood victims have now been accounted for,” the statement read.
The fatal incident occurred on Monday, September 8th, after a heavy downpour triggered severe flooding that swept away several children.
The flood claimed the lives of two students: Fatima Sani Danmarke, a student of the School of Basic and Remedial Studies in Funtua, and Yusuf Surajo, known as Abba.
Haneefa, who was being carried on the back of her sister, Fatima, at the time of the disaster, had been missing since.
Her grandfather, Mallam Suleiman of Layin Adamu Mai Aljana, confirmed the recovery, stating he was called around noon on Sunday and informed of the news.
“I rushed home to discover the story is true,” Suleiman said. “We then organized for funeral prayer and subsequent burial of the deceased at about 1pm.”
He added that the family had previously performed Salatul Gaib (prayer for the absent) for Haneefa after Maghrib prayers at the Isa cikon kwami mosque in Magume.
Suleiman expressed gratitude to all who assisted the family during the difficult period.
Haneefa’s father, Sunusi, who was present when the incident occurred but had since left for Umrah, was informed of the recovery.