By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Zaria
The body of 3-year-old Haneefa, who was swept away by floodwaters in Tudun Jukun, Zaria, has been found after days of intense search.
According to the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Haneefa’s remains were discovered on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at about 11:00am at Gangaren Kasan Killaco, Gyallesu, Zaria. “This recovery concludes the search and confirms that all the flood victims have now been accounted,” said Abdulmumin Adamu of the Red Cross Zaria Division.
The tragedy began on September 8 when heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in Tudun Jukun, Tukur Tukur Ward, Zaria. The disaster claimed the lives of two students: Fatima Sani Danmarke of the School of Basic and Remedial Studies, Funtua, and Yusuf Surajo, popularly known as Abba. Haneefa, who was strapped to her sister Fatima’s back at the time, had remained missing until Sunday’s recovery.
Her grandfather, Mallam Suleiman of Layin Adamu Mai Aljana, Magume, confirmed the discovery, saying the body was brought home around noon and buried later that afternoon after funeral prayers. “We had earlier performed Salatul Gaib (prayer for an undiscovered corpse) at Isa Cikon Kwami Mosque in Magume, but today we were able to lay her to rest,” he said.
Suleiman explained that Haneefa’s father, Sunusi, had travelled for Umrah (lesser Hajj) on Friday but was present when the flooding occurred. He expressed gratitude to relatives, neighbours, and all who supported the family during their grief.
The recovery of Haneefa brings closure to the community still mourning the three lives lost in the devastating flood.