Adamu Yusuf’s life has been turned upside down since he lost nine family members in Tiffin Maza, one of the two communities in his town that was severely affected by floods in north-central Nigeria.
The 36-year-old father of one stated that his wife and newborn baby were among those swept away by the floods early Thursday morning in Niger state.
“She was the one who woke me up when the flood struck, and I hurriedly gathered the family, instructing everyone to hold onto one another. As we stepped outside, we were met with water everywhere in our living room and the yard. They panicked, and we became separated.”
His wife and baby had just returned to Mokwa a day earlier after spending a few weeks at his in-laws’ home following the birth.
“I watched in despair as the water carried away my family. I survived because I could swim. It was God who saved me,” Mr. Adamu recounted.
Local authorities reported that the death toll had risen to over 200 by Sunday, a significant increase from 110 on Friday. There are concerns that the number may continue to climb.
On Saturday, the atmosphere in the Tiffin Maza community was filled with sorrow, despair, and loss.
Scattered clothing, drenched mattresses, and crumpled metal roofing sheets were among the remnants of what were once hundreds of homes.
The remaining structures show the severe damage caused by the floods, with roofs torn off and parts of the buildings destroyed.
Standing on a blue tiled floor, the only indication of where his bedroom used to be, Mr. Adamu surveyed the vast empty area that has taken the place of his community.
“I lost everything to this flood. But the most painful loss is that of my family. The only possession I have left is this cloth I am wearing, which was given to me by a friend.”
He mentioned that one relative has been discovered deceased and he has “accepted the reality that others may not return” to him alive.
Nineteen-year-old Isa Muhammed, a recent high school graduate, has been heartbroken since learning that his cherished teacher’s home was swept away while the teacher and eight family members were inside.
“Two individuals have been found dead; one of them was his infant. My teacher, along with his second child, his sister, and four other relatives, remains unaccounted for. A structure collapsed on his wife, who was not present in the house with them, resulting in her immediate death.”
Mr. Muhammed also experienced loss, recalling his uncle who perished in the calamity.
“Uncle Musa was a dear friend to my late father. He cared for me after my dad passed away in 2023. He instilled in me the importance of education and always encouraged me to act rightly.
“Whenever I find myself alone and reflect on him, tears inevitably stream down my face. I have been unable to sleep since the tragedy occurred,” Mr. Muhammed expressed.
The waters have now receded, and on Saturday, residents came together to extend their sympathies to the victims and assist in the search operations.
Some locals informed Africa24hrs News that the floodwaters reached at least 7ft (2.1m) high in certain areas of the community.
A strong, unpleasant odor lingered around Tiffin Maza, and residents suspect it indicates that there are deceased individuals beneath the thick mud deposited by the floods.
They are diligently working to locate them and provide the deceased with a proper burial, as they have done for others since Thursday.
