The Kebbi State Government is urgently appealing for support in the wake of devastating flooding that has destroyed approximately 329,000 homes and washed away 858,000 hectares of farmlands.
The extensive damage to agricultural land poses a serious threat to food security in the region, impacting vital crops such as rice, millet, guinea corn, sorghum, beans, and various other crops.
At a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Birnin Kebbi, presented these alarming statistics and highlighted the overwhelming challenges faced by the state government in addressing the crisis.
“The enormity of the flooding, the consequent havoc caused, and the level of mitigation required have overwhelmed the state government despite what it has put on the ground to provide succour to the victims,” he stated.
Commissioner Birnin Kebbi emphasized the administration’s efforts to assist those affected, noting, “Governor Nasir’s administration has done its best to cater to those affected by the flooding. A wholesome compilation of reports on the level of the disaster in each community in all the local government areas has been made and would be presented to the Federal Agencies concerned this Friday.”
He further stressed the urgency of the situation: “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, and a shortage of food looms on the horizon. Our food security target is in jeopardy unless urgent measures are put in place to remedy the situation.”
In a bid to support affected farmers, the Kebbi State Government plans to provide improved seeds and other agricultural inputs to enable them to return to cultivation. However, Commissioner Birnin Kebbi insisted that “more is needed” to address the extensive damage caused by the floods.
Tragically, the floods have resulted in the loss of life, with preliminary statistics indicating that seven individuals died in Ngaski, eight in Maiyama, five in Kalgo, seven in Jega, and two in Birnin Kebbi.
When questioned about whether the Kebbi State Government had accessed the N3 billion grant for flood mitigation from the Federal Government, the commissioner expressed uncertainty: “I am not aware if the money has entered the coffers of the state.”
He also voiced concern about the lack of support from the state’s representatives in the National Assembly, stating, “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.”
In light of the escalating crisis, Commissioner Birnin Kebbi warned that the government might resort to forcefully evacuating communities in flood-prone areas to ensure their safety.
As the situation in Kebbi continues to develop, the call for urgent support remains critical to aid recovery efforts and restore the livelihoods of those affected by this devastating natural disaster.