Two people have lost their lives after severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall swept through parts of Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, prompting renewed warnings for residents to stay away from flood-prone areas.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed that the victims were Isa Haruna, a 38-year-old security operative popularly known as Mallam Matari, and 18-year-old Abba Kyari.
According to the agency, the pair drowned in the Pompomari area after a torrential downpour in the early hours of Monday triggered widespread flooding across Malari, Pompomari, and nearby communities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, SEMA said its emergency response team, working alongside the Yobe State Fire Service, immediately launched a search and rescue operation after receiving distress calls from residents.
Despite the rescue efforts, both victims were recovered dead, and their bodies were evacuated to the nearest hospital.
The agency used the incident to renew its appeal for caution as the rainy season intensifies across the state. It warned that residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities remain at heightened risk of flooding.
SEMA advised members of the public to avoid walking, driving or playing in flooded roads, drainage channels and waterways, stressing that moving floodwaters can be deeper and more dangerous than they appear.
Parents and guardians were also urged to keep children away from rivers, streams, culverts and other water channels during the ongoing school holiday to prevent avoidable accidents.
The agency further encouraged residents to report flood-related emergencies or missing persons promptly, clear blocked drainage systems where it is safe to do so, monitor official weather updates and relocate to safer areas whenever flooding threatens their communities.
