- Danladi Mudi and Emma Yashi, neighbours to the deceased, said the environmental challenges in the area were worsened by erosion
In Kaduna State, a teenager, Praise Malachi, has passed away after she drowned in flooding on her way to confirm the results of her examination.
The 16-year-old was said to be rushing home to check her Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results, which her friends told her were excellent, when she met her end.
Owing to her brilliant performance, Praise, who was a final year student of Government Day Secondary school, Samaru, Zaria, had been awarded a scholarship from the Centre of Girls Education, Zaria, to further her education.
Her father, Emmanuel Malachi, who confirmed the tragic passing of her daughter, disclosed that she tripped and fell in the flood on the way home to check her results on her phone.
According to him, Praise’s body was later found in another local government after it was swept away by the flood.
Said, “It was around 6pm after rainfall, when my daughter’s friends came to my shop and informed her that her SSCE results were out and that she performed excellently.
“After hearing the good news, Praise rushed home to check the results on her phone. And while crossing the small river caused by severe erosion she slipped and fell into it and was taken away by the floodwater.
“Her dead body was recovered the following day in faraway Hunkuyi in Kudan Local Government Area,” he said.
Danladi Mudi and Emma Yashi, neighbours to the deceased, said the environmental challenges in the area were worsened by erosion, making it prone to flooding during rainfall.
“Praise was not the only child who died in the flood, several other lives had been claimed in the past,” Yashi added
Speaking on the unfortunate incident, Habiba Mohammed, Director, Centre for Girls Education, said the deceased was one of the best students.
“We are all in grief over the sad story of her death. She was such a wonderful child who was never involved in any indecent and immoral behaviour.
Zaria has been devastated by flooding in recent years, with Chikaji being one of the worst-hit areas.
On August 27, 2024, a flood disaster affected over 200 houses, damaged LEA Primary School, and destroyed a substantial part of the Hayin Ojo Cemetery.
Residents have been seeking assistance from the government and philanthropists to address the issue.
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