Rainstorms, flooding destroy over 200 houses in Argungu, Kebbi State | Image: AIT
By Umaru Yakubu
Kebbi State has been hit by heavy rain and flooding which have claimed over 29 lives, destroyed 321,000 houses, 858,000 hectares of farmlands.
Kebbi State government, which confirmed the disaster, also appealed for support from Nigerians and the federal government.
The farmlands, it said, contained crops such as rice, millet, guinea- corn, sorghum, beans, and other varieties.
The Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Birnin Kebbi, gave the statistics in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
He lamented that the enormity of the three-day flooding, the consequent havoc caused, and the level of mitigation required, had overwhelmed the state government despite what it put on the ground to provide succour to the victims.
Also read: Flood-hit states to receive N3b each from Nigerian govt
“Governor Nasir’s administration has done its best to cater to those affected by the flooding, wholesome compilation of reports on the level of the disaster in each community in all the local government areas have been made and would be presented to the Federal Agencies concerned, this Friday,” he said.
“We are soliciting help, the situation is dire, and the government needs assistance to effectively resettle those affected.
“Many of them have lost their means of livelihood, the disaster has forced farmers into penury, shortage of food looms on the horizon, and our food security target is in jeopardy unless urgent measures are put in place to remedy the situation.
“The Kebbi Government will provide improved seeds and other agricultural input to farmers to return to cultivation, but more is needed.
“Preliminary statistics show that seven persons died in Ngaski, eight in Maiyama, five in Kalgo, seven in Jega, and two in Birnin Kebbi, as a result of the flooding.”
On whether the Kebbi State government has accessed the N3 billion grant for flood mitigation from the Federal Government, the commissioner said that he was not aware if the money has entered the coffers of the state.
“I am also surprised that members from Kebbi State in the National Assembly including Senators, are yet to visit the areas ravaged by flooding to offer the necessary assistance and sympathy”, the Commissioner remarked.
He warned that the government would use force to evacuate adamant communities in flood-prone areas to safer places.
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