Two Teenagers Drown in Kaduna as Heavy Flooding Submerges Communities

Two Teenagers Drown in Kaduna as Heavy Flooding Submerges Communities

NEMA and KADSEMA intensify assessment and search operations after torrential rainfall triggers flash floods across Kaduna metropolis

Two teenagers have tragically lost their lives after drowning in a river at Askplaye community in Kaduna State following days of torrential rainfall that triggered widespread flooding across parts of the metropolis. The victims have been identified as Abubakar Mohammed, 17, and Suleiman Yakubu, 19, whose bodies remain unrecovered as of Monday.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident, stating that its North-West Operations Office, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) and other stakeholders, has continued to assess the flood situation following heavy downpour that lasted approximately four consecutive days, from Thursday to Monday, across parts of Kaduna metropolis. NEMA reported that the torrential rainfall caused flash floods in some communities, submerging roads and temporarily trapping some residents inside their homes. The flooding also disrupted movement across affected areas, forcing residents to navigate through flooded routes with extreme caution.

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The Head of Operations for NEMA’s North-West Office, Hajia Halima Suleiman, led an assessment team to communities impacted by the flooding to ascertain the extent and impact of the floodwaters. During the assessment, Suleiman visited the bereaved family of Yakubu to express the agency’s condolences and offer support following the teenager’s death. NEMA assured that it would continue monitoring the situation in partnership with KADSEMA and other emergency responders to assess the needs of affected communities and facilitate an appropriate response.

The tragic incident comes amid heightened flood risk across Kaduna State, with emergency agencies repeatedly warning residents against crossing flooded rivers, streams or drainage channels during the rainy season. In recent weeks, emergency response agencies have launched evacuation and rescue operations following flash floods that affected Asikolaye and the Federal Polytechnic, Tudun Wada, in Kaduna North Local Government Area. Officials have attributed the severity of flooding in parts of the metropolis to indiscriminate disposal of waste, which has clogged drainage channels and restricted the free flow of stormwater. The Kaduna State Fire Service has called for stronger public enlightenment on proper waste disposal, regular desilting of drainage channels, and stricter enforcement against indiscriminate dumping of refuse to reduce the risk of flash floods.

In a related development, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency raised alarm in August over reported structural distress and visible cracks at the Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, warning that any major failure could pose serious flood risks to downstream communities in Kaduna, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory. The agency called for urgent technical assessment and preventive measures to avert a potential disaster. KADSEMA has intensified community-based flood preparedness initiatives in partnership with development organisations, conducting simulation exercises in flood-prone communities to help residents recognise early warning signs and organise evacuations.