Over 10,000 people have been displaced, and farmlands and properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed by flooding following several weeks of intense rainfall in Gummi Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
The Emir of Gummi, Justice Hassan Lawal (retired), revealed this on Saturday during a visit by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who came to assess the damage caused by the floods.
Governor Lawal visited Gummi town and the Gayari community to evaluate the extent of the destruction. Justice Lawal provided a detailed account of the situation, noting that 10,291 households had been affected. He mentioned that a permanent solution could be possible, according to experts, and anticipated the governor’s personal inspection of the affected areas.
Governor Lawal expressed his sympathy for the flood victims and announced immediate relief measures, including a cash donation of N100 million and the distribution of 10,000 bags of assorted grains, along with mosquito nets and blankets. He also committed to long-term flood management solutions, such as constructing new drainage systems, repairing existing dams, and possibly building additional ones.
“Today, I am here in Gummi Local Government Area to offer my condolences and personally assess the flood-affected communities,” Governor Lawal stated. “I have donated 10,000 bags of food, including rice, maize, and millet, for the flood victims. The trucks are already en route to Gummi for distribution.”
He added that all affected victims would be provided with land away from flood-prone areas to rebuild their homes.
Residents of Gummi expressed their gratitude to the governor for his visit, noting that it gave them hope. “We are happy to see the governor visit us. This shows he cares for us,” one resident said. “Two-thirds of the people in this community are now homeless because of the flood.”
The state government has established a committee, led by elder statesman Alhaji Salihu Maibuhu Gumi, to oversee the distribution of relief materials and ensure that all affected individuals receive the necessary assistance.
In a broader context, flooding has claimed at least 179 lives and displaced over 200,000 people across Nigeria, according to an emergency official. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that more than 107,600 hectares of farmland have been affected, with the northern regions experiencing the most severe impact. However, NEMA warns that central and southern parts of the country may face worsening conditions as rainfall intensifies.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that authorities will issue warnings to mitigate the effects of future environmental disasters. NEMA officials are also developing plans to prevent further incidents, emphasizing the urgency of the situation to avoid unexpected disasters.