Two siblings have been confirmed dead after attempting to wade through a flood triggered by heavy rainfall, leaving their family devastated in Katsina State.
The victims, identified as Muhammad Salisu, 12, and Abdurrahman Salisu, 7, were said to be on their way home from an Islamic school when rising flood swept them away.
Residents said frantic efforts to rescue the boys were unsuccessful as the current carried them beyond reach.
Community members later recovered the bodies from separate locations after an extensive search, bringing a tragic end to hopes that the children might be found alive.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday in Janbago community, Katsina metropolis.
However, their deaths have renewed concerns about recurring flooding and inadequate drainage infrastructure, with residents insisting that repeated warnings about the danger have gone largely unaddressed.
Grieving father, Salisu Arabi, described the loss as unbearable, saying no parent should experience the pain of losing two children at once.
“My sons left home for school like they always did, and I never imagined they would not return. This is a tragedy no family should endure.
“I pray for their souls and urge authorities to take action so that other parents do not suffer the same fate,” he said.
The children’s mother, overcome with emotion, appealed for urgent intervention to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“They meant everything to me. Losing them in this way is heartbreaking. I hope steps will be taken to ensure that no other mother experiences this kind of pain,” she said.
Meanwhile, residents argued that the disaster could have been prevented, noting that flooding has remained a persistent threat in the community for years.
They blamed the situation on poor drainage systems and worsening erosion, which they said continue to endanger lives and property whenever heavy rains occur.
According to community leaders, stormwater from surrounding areas regularly flows through the neighbourhood during major rainfall, overwhelming existing channels and causing widespread damage.
Chairman of the Janbago Community Development Association, Malam Tajuddeen, said the flooding problem has lingered for more than a decade despite repeated appeals to government authorities.
“This tragedy has once again exposed the danger residents face every rainy season.
“We have consistently called for proper drainage and erosion-control measures, but the problem remains unresolved. The loss of these children should serve as a wake-up call,” he said.
Tajuddeen urged the state government to prioritise flood-control projects, stressing that the issue has evolved beyond an environmental concern into a serious threat to human lives.