Two brothers, Muhammad Salisu, 12, and Abdurrahman Salisu, lost their lives after they were carried away by flood in Janbago community in Katsina State.
According to Daily Trust, the victims, were said to be returning home from a nearby Islamiyya school when downpour, accompanied by strong winds, turned the streets into raging torrent.
Their bodies were later recovered from different locations after frantic search efforts by residents.
The incident plunged the entire community into mourning as sympathisers thronged the family residence to console the bereaved parents.
Fighting back tears, the children’s father, Malam Salisu Arabi, described the loss as the most painful moment of his life.
“They left home that day like every other child going to Islamiyya school. I never imagined that the same rain we all witnessed would take away my two children. I have lost two sons in a single day. No father should ever have to endure this kind of pain. I pray that Allah grants them Aljannatul Firdaus, and I appeal to the government to help us so that another family will not suffer what we are passing through,” he said.
The children’s mother, who struggled to speak as relatives consoled her, said the memories of her sons would remain with her forever.
“They were my children, my happiness and my hope. Today they are gone because of this flood. My heart is broken. I am pleading with the government to address this problem. I don’t want any other mother to bury her children because of flooding.”
Residents said the tragedy was avoidable, insisting that Janbago community has suffered recurring floods for years due to inadequate drainage infrastructure.
