A catastrophic flood has ravaged Kebbi State, claiming the lives of 29 people and leaving thousands displaced. The disaster has also destroyed 329,000 houses and submerged 858,000 hectares of farmland, wiping out vital crops such as rice, millet, sorghum, and beans.
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Birnin Kebbi, on Friday, September 27, painted a dire picture at a press briefing, stating that the scope of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources. "Governor Nasir's administration has done its best to assist those affected, but the magnitude of the flood demands more help."
The state government has compiled a report on the flood's impact, which will be submitted to federal agencies to secure more aid. However, concerns mount about the impending food crisis, as thousands of farmers have lost their livelihoods.
"Many of them have lost their means of livelihood; the disaster has forced farmers into penury. A 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," warned Birnin Kebbi.
To mitigate the damage, the Kebbi Government plans to provide improved seeds and other agricultural inputs to farmers. However, the commissioner acknowledged that more aid is needed.
“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.”
The commissioner expressed surprise that Kebbi State's National Assembly members, including Senators, have yet to visit the affected areas to offer assistance and sympathy.
As the crisis deepens, the government has issued a stern warning: residents in flood-prone areas who refuse to relocate to safer regions may face forced evacuation.
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a similar turn of events what appears to be a flash flood ravaged Bayelsa on Friday, September 27, 2024, after a heavy downpour that lasted for several hours, residents of the state suffered flooding as drainages were blocked, houses, offices and businesses submerged.
Bayelsa residents have called on the government to help avert this looming crisis that might worsen without government intervention.
