Devastating Flood Destroys Over 100 Homes in Kebbi, Villagers Plead for Aid

A torrential downpour that struck Zogirma village in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Friday night has left more than 100 houses destroyed and dozens of residents injured, sparking widespread panic and devastation.

The rain, which locals described as one of the most intense in recent memory, lasted for several hours, causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Residents say the storm came suddenly and with such force that it caught many families off guard in the dead of night.

“Many people sustained serious injuries. The rain came suddenly and didn’t stop for hours. Roofs were blown away, mud homes collapsed, and people were forced to flee in the middle of the night,” said Haruna Danmalam, a resident of Bunza.

The aftermath has left several families homeless and in dire need of shelter, food, and medical assistance. In a swift response, the Secretary of Bunza Local Government Area, Malam Muhammed Umar Mawo, visited the community on behalf of the council chairman to assess the damage and console victims.

“We are not leaving you alone in this difficult time. The government is aware and will take necessary steps to support you,” Mawo assured during the visit, noting that a full report was being compiled for urgent action by the state government.

The disaster extended beyond Bunza, as flash floods also hit four communities in Arewa Local Government Area — including Tungar Chindo, Tungar Kure, Feske Malabawa, and Feske Rafi — where over 60 houses were destroyed. Residents in the area reported significant losses, including livestock and valuables worth hundreds of thousands of naira.

Describing the flood as a “double tragedy,” locals lamented that the disaster came at a critical time, just as many were preparing for the farming season — a major source of livelihood in the region.

Affected communities are now calling on the Kebbi State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other humanitarian organizations for immediate relief, including food supplies, medical care, temporary shelter, and assistance with rebuilding.

Environmental experts have continued to warn that the increasing frequency of such floods in Nigeria’s northwest is a result of climate change, poor drainage systems, and unchecked urban planning — a call that appears more urgent in the wake of this recent disaster.