Two teenagers have drowned in a river at Askplaye community in Kaduna State following days of heavy rainfall that triggered flash flooding across parts of Kaduna metropolis.
The victims were identified as 19-year-old Suleiman Yakubu and 17-year-old Abubakar Mohammed.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the deaths through its North-West Operations Office in Kaduna, but said the bodies had not been recovered as of its latest assessment. The circumstances that led to the teenagers entering or being swept into the river remained unclear.
The incident occurred amid widespread flooding caused by persistent rainfall that affected several communities in the Kaduna area.
NEMA said rainfall continued for approximately four consecutive days, from Thursday through Monday, resulting in flash floods in some communities.
The downpour affected roads and residential areas, with floodwaters reportedly leaving some residents temporarily trapped inside their homes.
The flooding also disrupted movement as motorists, pedestrians and other residents faced difficulty navigating waterlogged areas.
Key effects reported by emergency authorities include:
- Flash flooding in parts of Kaduna metropolis
- Roads submerged by rising floodwaters
- Residents temporarily trapped in some homes
- Disruption to movement and transportation
- Emergency assessments across affected communities
The situation prompted emergency agencies to intensify monitoring and assess the extent of the damage.
NEMA said it is working with the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) and other response organisations to evaluate the impact of the flooding.
The agency’s Head of Operations, Hajia Halima Suleiman, led an assessment team to some of the affected communities.
The exercise is intended to establish the scale of the flooding, identify urgent needs and determine the appropriate intervention for residents affected by the disaster.
Suleiman also visited the family of Suleiman Yakubu to express condolences and offer support following the teenager’s death.
NEMA said monitoring activities would continue as authorities assess communities affected by the heavy rainfall.
With flooding still posing risks in vulnerable locations, NEMA urged residents in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and follow safety warnings issued by emergency authorities.
The agency said continued assessments would help government agencies coordinate relief and other forms of assistance according to the needs identified on the ground.
The deaths of the two teenagers highlight the dangers posed by rapidly rising floodwaters during periods of prolonged rainfall, particularly around rivers and other water channels.
For residents, emergency officials’ advice remains especially important where roads, drainage channels and waterways have become difficult to distinguish because of floodwaters.
NEMA and KADSEMA are expected to continue monitoring the affected communities while assessing the damage and determining what assistance residents require.
The recovery of the teenagers’ bodies and further details about the circumstances surrounding their drowning will also be important in establishing the full account of the tragedy.
As the rainy season continues, the latest incident reinforces the need for residents in flood-prone parts of Kaduna to avoid dangerous waterways and heed warnings from emergency agencies.
