By Jelili Gbadamosi
Residents of several communities in Minna, Niger State, have blamed poor drainage infrastructure and a reportedly constructed dam for worsening flooding that destroyed properties estimated at more than N100 million.
The flooding followed a heavy downpour in the early hours of Saturday, leaving parts of Imani community in Minna South and the M.I. Wushishi area of the metropolis submerged.
Several houses were reportedly affected, while vehicles, electrical appliances, fences and other valuables were either damaged or swept away by the floodwater.
A former Chairman of the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abdullahi Idris, and a community leader in the affected area confirmed the incident.
Residents of M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate, Tunga, Maitunbi, Chanchaga and Shango, who spoke during a visit by DAILY POST, described the situation as devastating, saying the floodwater swept through homes and communities, carrying debris and destroying property.
At M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate along the Eastern Bypass, residents said the flood damaged houses, vehicles, a mosque and an Islamic school.
They attributed the recurring flooding partly to inadequate drainage channels, which they said were incapable of containing the volume of water generated during heavy rainfall.
The residents also expressed concern over a dam reportedly constructed in the area by a man identified as Captain Taylor, alleging that the structure had contributed to the worsening flood situation in recent years.
They called on the Niger State Government and relevant agencies to urgently assess the situation, improve drainage infrastructure and investigate factors contributing to the recurring flooding.
The affected communities also appealed to humanitarian organisations, philanthropists and other stakeholders to provide relief materials and assistance to families displaced or affected by the disaster.
They warned that continued heavy rainfall without urgent intervention could lead to further destruction and endanger more lives and property across the affected communities.
