Residents of Bida in Niger State have raised an alarm over severe flooding that has devastated their communities following the diversion of drainage water by contractors handling the road construction from Low-Cost Housing Estate to G.R.A.
The flooding, which resulted from a heavy downpour last Saturday, has reportedly destroyed property worth millions of Naira, including eleven buildings, a bridge, and several culverts. According to community members, the affected areas have been experiencing erosion issues since 2014, even before the current road construction began.
Community Devastation and Calls for Intervention
Mallam Yakubu Mohammed, a stakeholder from the affected communities, lamented the suffering of residents, noting that the rainstorm of Saturday, June 14, 2025, rendered many homeless and paralyzed economic activities in the areas.
"Our people are seriously suffering, and it's hard to believe that this is happening in Bida town. The rainfall we had on Saturday rendered many people homeless, destroyed some businesses leading to untold hardships," Mohammed stated.
The community has appealed to Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago to intervene urgently to prevent further damage to their properties and livelihoods.
Government Response
In response to the crisis, the Niger State government has promised to commence rehabilitation of the affected area within 48 hours. Specifically, the one-kilometer Man Musa Kodogi/Nasarafu road will be prioritized to prevent recurrence of the flooding.
The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Mohammed Yakubu Kolo, led a delegation to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the damage and sympathized with affected persons over their losses.
Reports indicate that the heavy rainfall which caused the extensive damage occurred between midnight and 8 am on Saturday.
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