Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in Bida, Niger State, on Saturday. The downpour began at 3:00 a.m. and continued for five hours, submerging homes and washing away a bridge and culvert.
At least 11 houses were affected. Although no lives were lost, many families have been displaced. Several businesses have also suffered major losses, with economic activities now disrupted in parts of the town.
The areas hit hardest include Kodogi/Nasarafatu Road, Federal Polytechnic Road, and the GRA area of Bida.
The Niger State Government acted quickly. A team led by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Mohammed Kolo, visited the scene for an assessment. He expressed concern and promised prompt action.
Kolo said the government would begin repairs within 48 hours. He also stated that long-term solutions would be introduced to address environmental risks in the area.
Unlike the recent flood in Mokwa, which is still under investigation, residents believe this incident was made worse by human activity. Some blame a road construction company for diverting drainage channels. This, they claim, caused water to flood their homes.
Abubakar Bida, a resident, said: “The contractors redirected a large volume of water into our communities. It damaged houses and property worth millions.”
Yakubu Mohammed, from Man Musa Kodogi, added: “We saw a similar flood in 2014. This is not new. What we need now is serious government action. If not, this will happen again.”
The flooding has left many residents homeless. Local traders are also struggling, as their businesses remain closed.
“We are asking Governor Muhammad Bago to help,” Mohammed said. “We need both emergency relief and long-term infrastructure planning. Our people are suffering.”
Climate change is making weather patterns more unpredictable. Urban planners and local leaders are now calling for better drainage, strict construction regulations, and sustainable environmental policies to protect communities from future disasters.
