Sequel to the recent heavy downpour in Jos metropolis and its environs, three members of the same family are said to have lost their lives and two others injured as flood ravaged some parts of Zinariya community of Jos North Local Government Area, destroying nine houses and rendering the occupants homeless.
A relative of the deceased persons, Sani Bello, told journalists that the incident happened Wednesday at about 5.30pm when heavy downpour, which lasted hours, gathered water in the narrow waterway and collapsed a fence which pulled down nearby structures.
“The victims were in the house when rain started. They all remained indoors but because the water ways were blocked and the ground soaked, the building collapsed on them.
According to him, “The water washed three of them away and they died in the process.
“One of them is my elder sister; she was pregnant and came here for a visit from Naraguta a nearby community. Her corpse had been found and buried.
“Right now, one lady with a broken leg is in the hospital and seven years old Ibrahim Sani, who are all receiving treatment”.
Meantime, the Senator representing Plateau North, Istifanus Gyang has visited the area to commiserate with the people and assist them with resources to create waterways and rebuild their homes.
Gyang, who was represented by a former Majority Leader in the State House of Assembly, Daniel Dem, sympathized with the family, saying it was sad that the flood claimed the lives of fellow citizens.
The lawmaker gave financial assistance to the affected families and urged the community to “avoid building on waterways”, to avoid such unfortunate incident and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and speedy recovery of the injured.
He pledged to always stand by his constituents especially during challenging times.
While accepting the cash donation on behalf of the victims, the Ward Head of the community, Mallam Yahaya Abubakar commended the Senator for showing concern.
Abubakar said, “This is not the first time that water would flood this area, no one has come to our aid and whatever we do here to avert flood is community efforts.
One of the beneficiaries, Mohammed Kamilu, appreciated the legislator for the gesture.
Adding that, “We will use it to augment our efforts of getting back on our feet.”
Also speaking, Youth Leader of Angwan Zinariya, Auwal Yahaya Ahmed commended the Senator for the immediate assistance to the affected families, saying he has demonstrated that he is a true leader for Plateau North.
Ahmed called on other political office holders to emulate the Lawmaker.
Below are pictures of an affected house and a young boy rescued in community