Residents of Chikaji in the Sabongari Local Government Area of Kaduna State are calling for urgent government intervention following a devastating flood that damaged over 200 houses and disrupted community infrastructure.
The flooding, which occurred from early Monday, August 26, to midafternoon following heavy rainfall, severely affected areas along the water canal from Yan-awaki by Kano roundabout down to Shika Dam in Sabon Gari.
Alhaji Auwal Sani-Danbaba, the village head of Chikaji, detailed the extent of the damage in a discussion with the press. Key community structures such as the LEA Primary School and significant portions of the Hayin Ojo Cemetery were washed away.
The flood left many graves open, causing distress among residents. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported, but the incident has left many displaced, seeking shelter in neighbouring areas.
Sani-Danbaba expressed frustration over the lack of assistance from government or relief agencies and highlighted the urgent need for effective disaster management solutions, including proper channelization of the community to prevent future occurrences.
He said;
“It also washed away parts of the LEA Primary School and a substantial part of the Hayin Ojo Cemetery. Presently, many graves were left open; while some victims of the flood are sheltered in the neighborhood. “But so far, there was no loss of life during the incident.”
In response to the immediate needs, Suleiman Liman, Chief Imam of Chikaji Central Mosque, mentioned that an emergency meeting was convened with affluent community members to address the challenges, particularly at the cemetery and to aid the flood victims.
One flood victim recounted the traumatic experience of trying to evacuate water from their home when part of it collapsed, emphasizing the urgency for support and intervention for those affected. “My concern was to protect and try to save the kids from the rubble of the building,” the victim shared, calling for government and stakeholder support.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, many victims are temporarily residing with relatives or have returned to their parental homes, waiting for the situation to stabilize and for much-needed relief efforts to commence.
