By Cheta Enyoghasi
Heavy rainfall has turned thousands of people homeless in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, after flood destroyed many houses and farmlands.
According to reports, the flood that began 8:14 a.m. destroyed many houses behind the State Police Commissioner’s residence, making it impossible for residents to save their valuable properties.
A resident of the area, Ibrahim Muhammad Musa, said that the situation was terrible, as the heavy rain took everyone by surprise, and people’s properties were destroyed by the uncontrollable flood.
According to him, they were aware that the area is a waterway but built their houses there, believing that the state government would take action to prevent flooding in the area.
“But none of the administrations even cared about our plight, even though we always vote for them. They promise heaven and earth during campaigns, but when they get what they want, they abandon us,” he lamented.
At Angwar Danturai, children were seen swimming in the flood, and properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed. The situation attracted many people to the scene, and the Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Gusau was seriously affected. Many motorists and motorcycle riders were unable to navigate the flood, with some turning back.
In the Samaru area of Gusau, many houses were submerged, and in Gengerin Maigemu, many houses were destroyed. Many traders in Gusau opened their business places around 1 p.m., while some did not operate at all due to the flood. Business activities were dull generally.