Minna, Niger State – Tragedy struck in the Tunga area of Minna on Tuesday after a heavy downpour led to the discovery of two children’s bodies, including a nine-year-old girl, in a drainage channel.
The devastating incident occurred following torrential rains that flooded several parts of the city, overwhelming drainage systems and causing dangerous water levels.
Girl Swept Away While Returning from Market
According to eyewitness reports, the young girl had been sent to Tunga Market—approximately two kilometres from her residence—to buy soup ingredients. She was accompanied by her 11-year-old elder brother. Despite taking an umbrella, the rain intensified shortly after they left home.
While returning from the market, the children encountered rising floodwaters. It is believed that the girl slipped and fell into the drainage and was swept away by the current. Her brother reportedly cried out for help, but the floodwaters were too powerful for residents to intervene.
Discovery of the Victims’ Bodies
The body of the girl, who was the only daughter among three children, was later found in a tunnel on Mandela Street, over five kilometres from the scene of the incident. Shockingly, the corpse of an unidentified boy was also recovered alongside hers, indicating that more than one child fell victim to the flash flood.
Victims Identified and Families Notified
Upon being contacted, the girl’s father—originally from Edo State—confirmed her identity. He was devastated to discover the body of another child beside his daughter’s. The identity of the second child remains unknown at the time of this report.
Emergency Agency Reacts
When contacted, the spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Hussaine Ibrahim, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He stated that the agency had not been informed of the disaster but would visit the affected family in Tunga to gather further details.
“The agency is not aware of the disaster, but my people will visit the home of the girl at Tunga tomorrow to meet with the parents,” Ibrahim said.
