AT least 20 people have been confirmed dead over the past two weeks in Gashua, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State, following the collapse of houses caused by heavy rainfall.
The Executive Chairman of the local government, Babagana Ibrahim, revealed that many residents have sought refuge in three designated camps.
He added that the government is addressing the immediate needs of the displaced, including providing food, medical care, hygiene supplies, clean drinking water, and other essentials to prevent disease outbreaks.
Ibrahim called for additional support from the federal government and donor agencies.
“The number of displaced persons has risen to about 3,000. We need the federal government and donor agencies to assist the state and local governments in supplying relief materials to those affected by the floods,” he said.
“With the ongoing rains, many houses, especially mud homes, are collapsing. Just this morning, four people were confirmed dead in Gashua.”
The two federal roads leading to Gashua have also been cut off for the past ten days, complicating efforts by humanitarian workers to assist those displaced.
To prevent further casualties, the chairman has instructed residents living in mud houses to relocate.