The recent floods in Jigawa State have claimed the lives of 33 people, according to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
The minister, a former governor of Jigawa State, released the grim figures on Saturday during a visit to the state capital, Dutse, where he commiserated with the state government and families affected by the disaster.
The floods have wreaked havoc across 148 communities in 14 local government areas, impacting approximately 50,000 people and over 11,500 households. In addition to the human toll, the floods have destroyed 11,500 farmlands, deepening the crisis in the largely agrarian state.
Governor Umar Namadi expressed his gratitude for the minister’s visit, acknowledging the challenging situation.
“I am sure so many people in Abuja are also sympathising with you,” the governor said, appreciating the minister’s decision to visit the state personally during this difficult time.
The flooding in Jigawa, which is not uncommon during the rainy season, has been particularly severe this year. Yusuf Sani, head of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), reported on Monday that a cumulative total of 50 deaths had been recorded across the state’s 27 local government areas. The agency also noted that Kafin Hausa district was the worst hit, with 10 people killed, 68 hospitalized, and over 1,400 displaced.
SEMA officials have expressed concern that the situation could worsen in the coming days as more heavy rains are expected.
There is also the impending release of water from the Komadugu River, a measure necessary to prevent the riverbanks from bursting but one that could exacerbate the flooding. Residents of villages along the riverbanks have been urged to evacuate immediately.
The state’s flooding is aggravated annually by the overflow of the Tiga and Challawa rivers from neighboring Kano State. Local officials attribute the severity of this year’s flooding to climate change, poor drainage systems, clogged river canals, and illegal constructions on waterways.
This disaster is reminiscent of the 2020 floods in Jigawa, which killed at least 40 people and destroyed over 100,000 hectares of crops. The state government is now awaiting relief materials from the Federal Government to aid in the ongoing battle against this year’s floods.