Heavy flood has devastated several communities in Sokoto State, submerging farmlands, destroying houses, and claiming the life of a seven-year-old boy.
The disaster, which struck on Thursday, August 14, affected parts of Bodinga and Shagari Local Government Areas. In Bodinga, the communities of Badau (Darhela Ward) and Butuku (Toma Ward) were worst hit. Reports indicated that more than 3,000 farmlands in Badau and 75 in Butuku were submerged, leaving many farmers in despair.
A joint assessment team from the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) visited the flood-affected areas on Sunday. The team, led by SEMA’s Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mustapha Umar, and NEMA’s Planning Officer, Tukur Abubakar, was received by the traditional ruler of Badau, Sarkin Yamman Badau, who lamented the level of destruction.
Describing the situation as “devastating,” the monarch appealed for urgent intervention from both the state and federal governments to assist farmers and households whose livelihoods have been ruined.
In Dandin-Mahe community of Shagari LGA, the flood submerged farmlands, destroyed the local market, and damaged several houses. During the incident, a building collapsed, killing seven-year-old Jafar Sani, son of Sani Lumu, aged 37. His siblings, Ummu Ayman and Dawuda Abubakar, sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.
Local officials, including Councilor Sanusi Barade Dandin-Mahe and Shehu Umar Karoga, Councilor for Social Development (Sanyin-Nawal Ward), joined the team during the assessment of affected sites.
Mustapha Umar, who represented the Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on SEMA, commiserated with the bereaved family and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured children.
He assured residents that the assessment report would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities to facilitate timely relief and humanitarian assistance.
Punch
