In a devastating flood disaster, more than 5,000 houses and structures have been completely washed away in Yusufari Local Government Area (LGA) of Yobe State since the beginning of the rainy season.
During a briefing with journalists on Saturday, Malam Baba Alkali, Chairman of the Assessment Committee on Flood Victims, confirmed this.
According to Baba Alkali, the flood has affected almost all parts of the local government, leaving many residents homeless and forcing them to seek refuge in various locations across the area.
He stated, “We have 10 political wards in the local government, and in each ward, at least 1,000 houses have collapsed. Although no lives were lost, many people sustained injuries, and farmlands along with properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.”
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The Council Chairperson has formed a 15-man committee, led by Baba Alkali, to assess the extent of the damage. To ensure comprehensive representation, the committee includes civil servants, politicians, and security agents.
Baba Alkali also noted that a sub-committee, including security agents and the Vice Chairman, identified 28 households in critical condition that required immediate emergency assistance. “The committee has provided these households with financial aid, thanks to the funds released by the Chairman for our work,” he added.
The Emir of Yusufari, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammad Ibn Zannah Zakaria, visited several affected villages to assess the damage firsthand and sympathize with the victims.
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Several prominent individuals have contributed to the relief efforts, including Senate President Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, who donated N10 million; Hon. Tijjani Zannah Zakaria, Member of the House of Representatives, who donated N5 million; Hon. Hassan Muhammed, Member of Yobe State House of Assembly, who gave N2 million; and Dr. Lawan Gana, Yobe State Commissioner of Health, who contributed N1 million.
Baba Alkali made a public appeal, saying, “We are calling on individuals, politicians, and well-meaning citizens to assist the people of Yusufari Local Government. The doors for donations remain open.”
This appeal aims to gather more support for the victims as they grapple with the aftermath of the flood disaster.