From Olanrewaju Lawal Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State deputy governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, has inspected rice farmlands submerged by flood in Bagudo Local Government Area to ascertain the level of damage.
Tafida, who is the Chairman of a high-powered Safety Management Committee on Flood set up by State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, while on-the spot-assessment of the situation, visited Bahindi, Kende and Tugga in the local government area where many hectares of rice farmlands affected by the flood.
Addressing newsmen after the inspection, Tafida on behalf of Governor Idris expressed deep sympathy with the farmers over their losses, pledging that the administration would provide succour to those affected.
“We are here to ascertain the extent of the flood and subsequent damage to crops, the governor gave us a mandate to take remedies.
“We are aware of the rise in water level of the River Niger. Water is still flowing and passing through areas of Lolo and Dolekaina, the governor directed us to mitigate, to save lives, and provide foodstuffs where necessary”,
“Warning has been sounded of impending flow of water from Guinea moving towards Nigeria hitting Kebbi State directly.
“The major assignment of the committee is to prepare fully for whatever eventuality. If the water level continues to soar, we shall evacuate residents to safer areas, the government has mapped out designated places for shelter”, the deputy Governor remarked.
He was also sympathetic to the people of Argungu Emirate where Fadama rice farms were completely flooded as a result of water release flowing from Goronyo dam.
The Chairman of Bagudo Local Government, Hon. Muhammad Sambo Aliyu Zagga, expressed immense appreciation to members of the committee for the on-the-spot assessment of the communities affected by the natural phenomenon in the area.