FCT residents cry out as heavy flood destroys properties, sweeps man away
Residents of Gudu and Gaduwa communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have cried out for government intervention following a heavy downpour which led to flooding in the early hours of Wednesday.
A resident identified as Dauwa is still missing, while several properties and houses have been destroyed as a result of the flood.
According to a eyewitness, Isah Musa, the victim, Dauwa, resides in the Gudu area of Abuja and was carried away by the flood at about 8:00 am.
The witness said after the flood brought down a fence within the area, Dauwa and some other residents were going to inspect the damage when he was carried away by the water.
“We saw that somebody’s fence had been brought down by the rain. There were four of us and we went to check if there was further damage. Three of us had crossed the water. He (Dauwa) was the fourth, but then the water carried him before he could cross over. We’ve searched everywhere, but we haven’t found him,” he said.
In the Gaduwa part of the city, residents, including traders, lost several properties and goods to the flood.
Halidu Audu sells both fairly used and new building materials in the area. Most of his goods had been washed away by the flood.
“Every time the rain is heavy, the rain washes away my goods. My workers have to go into the water to try and salvage whatever is left,” he said.
Flooding has been a recurring situation in some parts of the FCT. In 2021, five residents of Abuja died in a flood which hit some parts of Lugbe. Residents of Trademore Estate in Lugbe also lost several properties in the flood.
