Farmlands destroyed, over 10,000 people displaced by Zamfara flood — Emir
Over 10,000 people have been displaced, and farmlands along with other properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed by a flood after several weeks of intense rain in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The Emir of Gummi, Justice Hassan Lawal, stated this on Saturday when Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to the local government.
Governor Lawal visited Gummi town and the Gayari community to assess the extent of the damage caused by the flood.
Briefing the governor, the Emir provided a breakdown of the situation in the local government.
“Following our discussion with experts, a permanent solution seems possible. According to the assessment, 10,291 households were affected, but we understand that the governor will go around to see for himself,” he said.
In response, the governor sympathised with the flood victims and announced an immediate relief package of ₦100,000 and the distribution of 10,000 bags of assorted grains, along with mosquito nets and blankets.
Governor Lawal also pledged to address long-term flood management by constructing new drainage systems, repairing existing dams, and potentially building additional ones.
“Today, I am in Gummi Local Government Area to offer my condolences and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the communities devastated by flooding caused by heavy rainfall last week,” he said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that I have donated 10,000 bags of food, including rice, maize, and millet, to be distributed among the flood victims. The trucks are already on their way to Gummi for distribution.
“On behalf of the Zamfara State Government, I am also providing ₦100 million in support for the affected victims. Additionally, all affected victims will be allocated land away from the danger zone so that they can build new houses,” he said.
Residents of Gummi expressed their gratitude to the governor for visiting them after having sent three different delegations earlier.
“We are happy to see the governor visit us. This shows he cares for us. Two-thirds of the people in this community are now homeless because of the flood. For the governor to come and see the situation, that alone has given us hope.
Some are taking shelter in government buildings, some in primary schools, some in secondary schools, and some in a petrol station,” one resident said.
The state government has set up a committee led by elder statesman Salihu Gumi to oversee the distribution of these relief materials and ensure that all affected individuals receive the necessary assistance.
