Floods displace residents, destroy homes in Malam Madori, Jigawa

A torrential downpour that lasted several hours between Saturday night and Sunday morning has left devastation in Malam Madori local government area (LGA) of Jigawa, with about 70 houses destroyed and dozens of families displaced.

The council’s Information Officer, Musa Muhammad, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday, noting that Shagari Quarters, Tonikutara, Gandun Sarki, and Gandun Bundugoma communities were the worst hit.

“The disaster occurred after heavy rainfall that lasted many hours and the flood overwhelmed the waterways and culverts in the area,” Muhammad said.

Residents recounted harrowing losses, according to the statement. Umar Abba, a victim from Gandun Sarki, said his house was among the more than 30 completely destroyed buildings and appealed for urgent government support.

A traditional title holder, Bulama Jamilu, added that many victims rendered homeless were now taking refuge with relatives.

In response, Salisu Sani, the Chairman of Malam Madori LGA, visited the communities, expressed sympathy, and directed the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) to conduct a damage assessment.

Amina Haruna, the LEMC Chairperson, disclosed that lawmaker Hamza Adamu, representing Malam Madori in the State House of Assembly, had donated truckloads of sand and other relief materials.

She added that the council also provided a water pump engine at Gandun Sarki to redirect floodwaters.

Flooding is a recurrent challenge in Jigawa state, where poor drainage, climate variability, and expanding settlements along waterways leave communities highly vulnerable to seasonal rainfall.