A flood in Kebbi State has caused huge devastation, claiming the lives of 29 individuals and rendering countless families homeless. As the waters recede, the extent of the disaster becomes increasingly apparent, with a staggering 329,000 houses destroyed and thousands of residents displaced from their communities.
Reports indicate that the flood has engulfed approximately 858,000 hectares of farmland, destroying crucial crops like rice, millet, sorghum, and beans. This loss has sparked fears about the potential for an impending food crisis in the region. Kebbi, known for its agricultural output, now faces a harsh reality, one where the livelihoods of many farmers have been washed away, leaving them with little hope for recovery.
During a press briefing held on Friday, Yakubu Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, while addressing the media, expressed the government’s struggle to manage the aftermath of the floods, emphasizing that the scale of the disaster has far exceeded local resources.
“Governor Nasir’s administration has done its utmost to assist those affected,” Commissioner Birnin Kebbi stated. “However, the magnitude of the flood demands more help.” His words echoed the feelings of many who have witnessed the relentless destruction brought on by the floodwaters. The commissioner revealed that the state government is compiling a comprehensive report detailing the flood’s impact, which will be submitted to federal agencies in hopes of securing additional aid.
In the wake of such devastation, the agricultural sector has taken a hard hit. With farmland submerged and crops destroyed, the livelihoods of thousands of farmers are now in jeopardy. The commissioner painted a grim picture, stating, “Many of them have lost their means of livelihood. The disaster has forced farmers into penury, and a food shortage looms on the horizon.” The urgency for intervention is palpable, as the state’s food security targets hang in the balance.
In response to the dire situation, the Kebbi State Government is preparing to offer improved seeds and agricultural inputs to farmers to help them return to their fields. “We are doing everything we can to support our farmers,” Birnin Kebbi stated. “But more assistance is needed to ensure they can rebuild their lives and livelihoods.”
Preliminary statistics have begun to emerge, detailing the tragic loss of life across the affected areas. According to the commissioner, Ngaski saw the highest number of fatalities, with seven people reported dead. Maiyama followed closely behind with eight deaths, while Kalgo recorded five, Jega had seven, and Birnin Kebbi reported two. These numbers are a stark reminder of the human cost of this natural disaster.
As the government grapples with the crisis, questions surrounding funding have arisen. When asked whether the Kebbi State Government had accessed the N3 billion grant allocated by the Federal Government for flood mitigation, the commissioner expressed uncertainty. “I am not aware if the money has entered the coffers of the state,” he admitted. This lack of clarity raises concerns about the swift response needed in times of crisis.
Furthermore, Birnin Kebbi voiced his disappointment regarding the absence of support from Kebbi State’s representatives in the National Assembly. “I am surprised that members from Kebbi State, including our Senators, are yet to visit the areas ravaged by flooding to offer the necessary assistance and sympathy,” he said, highlighting the need for unity and support in such trying times.
As the water level slowly recedes, the government is contemplating more drastic measures to protect residents. Reports suggest that the state may resort to forcibly evacuating those who remain in flood-prone areas and refuse to relocate to safer regions. This decision underscores the urgency of the situation, as officials strive to safeguard the lives of those at risk.
The stories of loss, are beginning to emerge, families displaced from their homes are banding together, supporting one another as they navigate the uncertain road ahead while community members are pooling resources, sharing food, and providing shelter to those who have lost everything. In the face of adversity, the spirit of solidarity shines through, reminding us all of the power of community in times of crisis.
As the people of Kebbi navigate the aftermath of this devastating flood, it is imperative that both state and federal governments act swiftly to provide the necessary resources and support. The recovery process will be long and arduous, but with concerted efforts, the state can rise from this tragedy. The challenge ahead is not just to rebuild homes and restore livelihoods, but also to strengthen the community and ensure that the lessons learned from this disaster lead to better preparedness for the future.
In the days and weeks to come, residents hope that the focus must remain on providing immediate aid to those affected, securing resources for farmers to return to their fields, and addressing the underlying vulnerabilities that made this disaster so devastating. Only through a comprehensive approach can Kebbi State hope to emerge from the shadows of this flood, and build a resilient future for its people.
