By Abdulqadir Muhammad Alhaji
Residents of Bara community in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State have blamed an ongoing road construction project for the devastating flood that recently claimed two lives, destroyed dozens of houses and displaced families across the area.
The disaster, which followed a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds, resulted in the deaths of 50-year-old Aisha Sagir and her four-year-old granddaughter, Aisha Shuaibu, both of whom were residents of Unguwar Katsinawa in Bara village. The flood also destroyed houses, livestock, household property and sources of livelihood worth millions of naira, leaving many families homeless.
Speaking to journalists after the incident, several residents alleged that the unfinished road project altered the natural flow of water and contributed to the scale of destruction witnessed during the rainfall. According to them, the construction work was yet to provide adequate drainage channels capable of accommodating large volumes of runoff during heavy rains.
One of the victims, 64-year-old Dahiru Yuguda, whose house and livestock were destroyed, described the incident as the worst disaster ever experienced by the community. He said older generations in the area could not recall a similar flooding event despite having lived in the community for decades. Yuguda argued that the incomplete road construction may have redirected floodwaters into residential areas instead of allowing them to flow through their natural channels.
The destruction has created difficult living conditions for many affected families. Residents said women and children are occupying the few surviving structures while several young people have been forced to sleep in open spaces. The situation has also created fear among community members whenever dark clouds gather, as many households no longer have adequate shelter to withstand another rainfall.
Another resident, Adamu Muhammad, said the flood swept away all structures within his family compound, including the household well that served as their primary source of water. He expressed concern over the welfare of his elderly parents and young children, noting that the community is struggling to recover from the tragedy. He recalled how residents were compelled to evacuate vulnerable persons, particularly elderly people, to safer locations during the disaster.
Beyond the immediate loss of lives and property, the incident has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities to flooding and the importance of integrating effective drainage infrastructure into road construction projects. Environmental and infrastructure experts have consistently warned that blocked waterways, poorly designed drainage systems and unfinished civil works can increase flood risks during periods of intense rainfall.
The tragedy in Bara also highlights a broader challenge facing many communities across Bauchi State and other parts of Nigeria where seasonal flooding continues to threaten lives, homes and agricultural activities. In previous years, several communities within the state recorded extensive damage to farmlands, bridges, culverts and residential areas as a result of flooding.
Following the disaster, Bauchi State authorities commenced assessments of the affected areas while political leaders and humanitarian actors moved to provide support for victims. The Bauchi State Government, through its emergency management structures, pledged to document losses and facilitate relief interventions for affected households. In addition, Senator Shehu Buba Umar visited the community and provided cash donations, food items and relief materials to victims as part of efforts to ease their suffering.
Residents, however, insist that emergency assistance alone will not address the underlying problem. They have called on relevant authorities and contractors handling the road project to urgently complete the work, construct adequate drainage channels and implement long-term flood control measures capable of preventing future disasters.
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