Residents of Man Musa Kodogi and Nasarafu in Bida Local Council of Niger State have expressed distress over the destruction of their homes, a bridge, and business premises following a devastating rainstorm on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

The Guardian learnt that the rainstorm, which occurred between 3:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., damaged 11 buildings, a bridge, and a culvert along the one-kilometre Man Musa Kodogi/Nasarafu road. Residents attributed the extensive damage to the contractor handling the construction of the road, accusing them of diverting drainage water into their communities, resulting in property losses worth millions of naira.

Despite their grievances, the residents commended the state government for its swift response, including sending executive council members to sympathise with the affected victims. They also lauded Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago’s strides in infrastructure development across Niger State.

A stakeholder from Man Musa Kodogi, Yakubu Mohammed, highlighted the longstanding challenges faced by the communities, noting that erosion issues had plagued them since 2014. “Our people are seriously suffering. One would not believe this is happening in Bida town. The rain has rendered people homeless and paralysed economic activities,” he said. Mohammed called on the governor to urgently address the situation.

In response, the Niger State government pledged immediate action. The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Mohammed Yakubu Kolo, who led a delegation to assess the damage, promised that rehabilitation of the affected road would commence within 48 hours.

During the assessment, conducted alongside the Special Adviser to the governor on Special Duties, Dr Murtala Bagana, Kolo sympathised with the victims and assured them that the government would prioritise addressing the area’s ecological challenges to prevent future disasters.