FLOOD: 680 people are displaced in Kwara as hectares of farmland are eroded

The devastation caused by the over-flow
of River Niger is spreading further across
its banks as the resultant flood has
displaced hundreds of families in Kwara,
destroying hectares of farmland in its
flow.
No fewer than 680 people have been displaced
and rendered homeless in Patigi and Edu local
government areas of Kwara state following
heavy downpour in the last few days, coupled
with the over-flow of River Niger at its tributary
in Jebba, within the state.
The flood which affected 16 communities
washed away nearly a million hectares of rice
farmlands.
The state government has now called on the
Federal Government to extend the dredging of
River Niger to Jebba in Kwara state for
permanent solution to perennial flooding in the
area.
The Special Adviser to the state governor on
emergency in company of the state Head of
Service were shocked at the magnitude of the
damage caused by the flood as they embarked
on an inspection of the affected community.
The government officials had to resort to using a
canoe to access the villages during their
assessment tour.
Some of the villages visited in Edu and Patigi
local government areas include Kpata, Mawogi,
Abefu and Gbaradogi, where residential
buildings and offices have been submerged by
flood.
Nearly 70 houses were affected including the
country home of the Commissioner for
Industries and Solid Minerals who could not
recall when such a magnitude of flood has ever
occurred before.
Most of the displaced communities have been
temporarily relocated though; they still remain
at the mercy of the impending flood while the
state and local governments are making all
efforts to alleviate their suffering.
The government officials appealed to the flood
victims to move away from the river bank.
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