Grief enveloped the Nasarawo community of Jalingo on Sunday following the recovery of the lifeless body of 22-year-old Muhammad Muddasir, who went missing during Friday’s devastating flood that swept through parts of the Taraba State capital.
Muddasir, a resident of the Nasarawo area, was reportedly swept away by the raging waters after hours of intense rainfall that caused severe flooding in various parts of Jalingo. His body was discovered earlier today along the banks of the Nunkai River, several kilometers away from the point he was last seen.
The discovery triggered an outpouring of emotions from residents and family members, many of whom had joined the search since his disappearance. The remains of the young man were promptly handed over to his family and buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
Speaking shortly after the burial, the deceased’s father, visibly shaken by the loss, described his son’s death as sudden and deeply tragic. He called on the Federal and the state Governments to take decisive and long-term steps toward addressing the growing threat of urban flooding across the country.
“This is not just our loss; it is a wake-up call. We cannot continue to lose young and promising lives to natural disasters that can be prevented. We appeal to the authorities to do more,” he said.
Also reacting to the incident, a community leaders from the Do Mayo area, who preferred not to be named, expressed concern over the recurring nature of flooding in the state capital. They emphasized the urgent need for both the state and federal governments to act proactively in building infrastructure that would prevent such disasters.
“This is a tragedy that must not be allowed to happen again. It is heartbreaking to see our youth die like this. We need drainage systems, flood control measures, and proper town planning. The government must respond, not just for Jalingo, but for flood-prone communities across the country,” one of them who pleaded ananomity said.
Friday’s downpour, which lasted for several hours, rendered many roads impassable and forced dozens of residents to flee their homes. Bridges, including the Mayo Gwoi bridge, were reportedly on the verge of collapse, while several buildings were submerged.
Experts have warned that climate change, poor waste disposal, and inadequate urban planning are exacerbating the impact of seasonal rainfall in many Nigerian cities. Taraba State, like many others in the North-East, is particularly vulnerable due to poor drainage and limited response capacity.
Residents are calling on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and relevant state authorities to launch coordinated efforts aimed at mitigating future risks, especially as the rainy season intensifies.
As the community mourns the loss of young Muddasir, his death serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for environmental resilience and government action in the face of increasingly frequent and destructive floods.
