Flood Ravages Minna, Destroys Properties Worth Over N100m

A devastating flood has wreaked havoc across parts of Minna, the Niger State capital, destroying properties estimated at over N100 million and displacing several residents.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday following a heavy downpour that overwhelmed communities including Imani in Minna South and the M.I. Wushishi area of the metropolis.

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.

Several houses were reportedly submerged, while vehicles, electrical appliances, fences and other valuables were damaged by the floodwaters.

Residents of M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate, Tunga, Maitunbi, Chanchaga and Shango said the heavy rainfall caused widespread destruction, with floodwaters sweeping through homes and carrying away properties and debris.

At the 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 infrastructure, which they said had left several communities exposed whenever there is heavy rainfall.

Residents also expressed concern over a dam reportedly constructed in the area by a man identified as Captain Taylor, alleging that the situation had worsened in recent years.

The affected communities appealed to the Niger State Government, humanitarian organisations, philanthropists and other stakeholders to urgently provide relief to displaced residents and address the drainage challenges.

They warned that without immediate intervention, further heavy rainfall could lead to more destruction and pose greater risks to lives and property.