Approximately 3,834 people have been displaced by the floods, and the Jigawa State Government has appealed to the Federal Government to assist those affected.

In an interview with reporters on Friday,16 August 2024, Dr. Haruna Mairiga, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, while making the call in Dutse, the State Capital, provided an update on the flood that devastated twelve Local Government Areas.

He noted that the call was required to lessen the suffering and challenges that many communities within the twelve local government districts that are affected were witnessing.

“As I speak with you, 2,744 hectares of farmland have been destroyed by flood in the 12 affected Local Government Areas (LGAs), and 3, 834 people have lost their homes altogether.” He declared, “We are pleading with the Federal Government, sponsors, and philanthropists to help the victims.”

He stressed that between August 1 and August 13, 2024, the State witnessed continuous rains that resulted in multiple flood incidents, the deaths of over 16 people, and the devastation of homes and farmlands.

According to Mairiga, among the Local Government areas affected are Buji, Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Hadejia, Birniwa, Malam Madori, Garki, Taura, Gwaram, Dutse, Kiyawa, and Jahun.

He claimed that although Governor Umar Namadi’s administration is doing a great job protecting and sustaining the citizens’ way of life, everyone must come together to help the government’s efforts in the event of this kind of calamity.

He further said, to support the victims during this difficult time and to help them return to their homes after the water reduces, “it is pertinent that we should start soliciting urgent humanitarian support to assist the internally displaced persons with either food or non-food items.”

As a temporary measure until help from the Federal Government arrives, Mairiga disclosed that the organization had provided palliative goods to the impacted areas. He said the donations included, among other things, food, blankets, rubber mats, money, and mosquito nets.

Mansur Musa, the Chairman of Kiyaye Local Government Area, also spoke, stating that the Local Government secretariat and other villages had been overtaken by water. He claims that the majority of those affected by the flood have been relocated to the primary and secondary schools in the area.

Read Also: Ondo State Begins Backlog of 3.2 Billion Payment Gratuities to Retirees