The Kebbi State Government on Friday appealed for support over the flood disaster in the state. It said 329,000 houses have been destroyed while 858,000 hectares of farmlands have been washed away.
The affected farmlands, according to the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, contain crops such as rice, millet, guinea- corn, sorghum, beans, and other varieties.
The commissioner told newsmen that the enormity of the flooding, the consequent havoc caused, and the level of mitigation required, have overwhelmed the state government despite its efforts to provide succour to the victims.
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“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”,
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“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.”
Asked 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.
Birnin Kebbi warned that the government would use force to evacuate adamant communities in flood-prone areas to safer places.