Properties and goods worth several millions of naira were destroyed following a heavy downpour that lasted several hours in Makurdi at the weekend.
The worst hit area was Wurukum, the part of Makurdi where the bridge across the river Benue is sited.
[ad]
When The Guardian visited the market after the rains, the entire Wurukum market was submerged in water, while the water level in most places was still ankle-deep.

Many makeshift stores also collapsed on themselves destroying goods in the process.

Even properly built stores were not spared, as most of them were still flooded. Only a few stores on the upper floors of buildings were spared from the storm.

Also, affected are Akpehe and Iorhon areas, located after the Wurukum market, although the damage was not much compared to Wurukum market area.

The flood also affected the road linking Wurukum and the adjoining areas, which impeded free movement of residents and commuters.

When The Guardian visited again, yesterday, the water had drained away in most parts of the market, while many traders were seen bringing out their goods and wares to dry out in the sun.

Though an official of the market could not be reached for comments, a resident of Akpehe, Samuel Tyav said the flood was a result of the rainstorm.

He said the Wurukum market, which is sited close to the riverbank, has a very high velocity of running water when it rains, but the drainages around the market are too narrow to contain the water, resulting in flooding.

Tyav alleged that most of the drains are blocked by refuse, thus allowing flooding of the market space.
[ad]