The Kebbi State Government is appealing for assistance following severe flooding that has destroyed 329,000 houses and washed away 858,000 hectares of farmland.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Birnin Kebbi, the affected farmlands contained key crops such as rice, millet, guinea corn, sorghum, beans, and other varieties. Speaking at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, he emphasized the scale of the disaster, noting that the destruction and required recovery efforts have overwhelmed the state government despite its ongoing efforts to provide relief to victims.
“Governor Nasir’s administration has done its best to support those impacted by the flooding. We have compiled comprehensive reports detailing the disaster’s impact in every local government area, which will be presented to the relevant federal agencies this Friday,” Birnin Kebbi said.
He stressed the urgency of the situation, appealing for external help to effectively resettle displaced residents. “Many have lost their livelihoods, and farmers are being pushed into poverty. With food shortages looming, our food security is at serious risk unless immediate action is taken.”
The state government plans to provide improved seeds and other agricultural inputs to help farmers return to cultivation, but Birnin Kebbi noted that more support is needed to fully address the crisis.
Preliminary reports indicate that the flooding has claimed the lives of seven people in Ngaski, eight in Maiyama, five in Kalgo, seven in Jega, and two in Birnin Kebbi.
When asked about accessing the N3 billion federal grant for flood mitigation, the commissioner said he was unaware if the funds had been received by the state. He also expressed disappointment that Kebbi’s representatives in the National Assembly, including senators, had not yet visited the flood-ravaged areas to offer assistance and sympathy.
Birnin Kebbi warned that the state government would forcibly evacuate communities in flood-prone areas if necessary to ensure their safety.