Residents of Chikaji, a community in Sabon-Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, are pleading for immediate assistance following a catastrophic flood that ravaged the area.
The flood, triggered by a relentless seven-hour downpour from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, caused extensive damage, washing away cemeteries, homes, and other properties.
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The Village Head of Chikaji, Alhaji Auwal Sani-Dambaba, revealed on Tuesday that over 200 houses were affected by the flood. He also noted the significant damage to the LEA Primary School and the desecration of a large section of the Ojo Cemetery. Although there were no reported casualties, many graves were disturbed, forcing residents to seek refuge in nearby neighborhoods.
Malam Suleiman Liman, the Chief Imam of Chikaji Central Mosque, has responded to the crisis by convening an emergency meeting with local philanthropists to organize relief efforts, particularly for the cemetery.
Among those severely impacted is Malam Ibrahim Ahmed, whose two-bedroom home was destroyed. “I am grateful that the flooding occurred during the day, which allowed us to act quickly,” he said, though he lamented the loss of all his belongings while attempting to protect his children.
Community leader Alhaji Gafai Katsina described the dire situation many flood victims face, noting that some families are currently staying with less affected neighbors or have temporarily returned to their parents’ homes.
In response to the disaster, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen, issued a statement calling for urgent government intervention. The Speaker urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide immediate support to the affected residents. He also advised residents to follow safety guidelines to reduce further risks associated with flooding.
