THE Kebbi State Government is seeking assistance in response to the devastating floods that have struck the state, which have destroyed 329,000 homes and submerged 858,000 hectares of farmland.
The farmlands were primarily used for cultivating crops such as rice, millet, guinea corn, sorghum, beans, and other varieties.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Birnin Kebbi, shared these figures during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi today. He emphasized that despite the state government’s efforts to provide relief to the affected residents, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed their resources.
“Governor Nasir’s administration has made significant efforts to support flood victims. Detailed reports have been compiled on the extent of damage in every community across all local government areas, and these will be submitted to relevant Federal Agencies this Friday,” he said.
“We urgently need assistance. The situation is critical, and the government requires help to properly resettle those impacted. Many people have lost their livelihoods, farmers have been plunged into poverty, and a looming food shortage threatens our food security goals unless immediate action is taken.”
He added that the state government would supply farmers with improved seeds and other agricultural inputs to resume farming, but further support is required.
Preliminary figures indicate that the flooding has claimed several lives, with seven deaths in Ngaski, eight in Maiyama, five in Kalgo, seven in Jega, and two in Birnin Kebbi.
When asked about the state’s access to the N3 billion flood mitigation grant from the Federal Government, the Commissioner stated that he was unsure whether the funds had been received.
He also expressed surprise that representatives from Kebbi State, including Senators, had not yet visited the affected areas to offer support and solidarity.
The Commissioner warned that the government would forcibly evacuate communities that remain in flood-prone areas if necessary.