Several residential buildings, shops and schools were submerged following hours of heavy rainfall in Jalingo, Taraba State, early Saturday.

While the downpour brought relief to residents after weeks of intense heat, it also left a trail of destruction across parts of the city.

The rain began around 2:30 a.m. and continued until about 11:30 a.m., worsening flooding in low-lying areas. Communities such as Mile Six, Mafindi and Mayogwai were among the worst affected.

Jalingo Main Market was also impacted, with many shops inundated by floodwater.

A resident of Mile Six, Bulus James, said his home was among those affected, adding that he lost several household items and important documents.

He attributed the flooding to blocked waterways and drainage systems caused by indiscriminate waste disposal.

Residents, he said, struggled through the rain to salvage their belongings, though many were unable to do so due to the rising water levels.

Traffic movement along the Jalingo–Wukari road was also disrupted as flooding washed away a temporary bridge constructed near the collapsed Namnai Bridge.

The latest incident marks the second time in three weeks that the temporary structure has been destroyed by flooding.

Sources said thousands of travellers and vehicles were stranded on both sides of River Namnai as a result.

A resident of Namnai town, Mallam Tanko Saidu, told Daily Trust in a telephone interview that many travellers remain stranded.

He added that efforts were ongoing to deploy engine boats from nearby riverine communities to ferry passengers and vehicles across the flooded river.

“We are trying to get engine boats from Mayoreniyo and other towns along the River Benue to start ferrying vehicles across,” he said. (Daily Trust)