Kebbi State is currently experiencing a flooding crisis due to perennial flash floods that have claimed at least 30 lives, destroyed over 800,000 rice and crop farmlands, and washed away more than 326 houses.
The state’s commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, made this dire situation public during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi.
The floods have affected 16 local government areas, forcing households to seek refuge in makeshift camps and schools.
The state government has temporarily relocated them with relief materials to mitigate their losses and suffering.
However, Ahmed warned that without swift national and international intervention, the state’s food supply will be severely impacted, potentially leading to acute food shortages across the country.
To combat the disaster, the government has activated an emergency flood defense mechanism to ensure quick responses to floods.
Additionally, they plan to work with traditional rulers to educate people about the risks of building on waterways and blocking drainages. If necessary, the government will relocate households that refuse to comply to safer areas.
Kebbi State’s geography, with its extensive flood plains and river valleys, makes it prone to flooding. The state’s economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, is particularly vulnerable to these disasters ². The government’s call for aid is critical to preventing further devastation and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
