Over 10,000 people have been displaced, and farmlands and properties worth millions of naira destroyed, following weeks of intense rainfall and subsequent flooding in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The Emir of Gummi, Justice Hassan Lawal (retired), revealed the devastating impact of the flood on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal.
Justice Lawal provided a detailed breakdown of the disaster’s impact, stating, “For the assessment, 10,291 households were affected, but we understand that the governor will go round to see for himself.”
He further noted that discussions with experts suggested a permanent solution might be possible to prevent future occurrences.
Governor Lawal, who visited both Gummi town and Gayari community to personally assess the damage, expressed deep sympathy for the flood victims. He immediately announced a relief package of N100 million and the distribution of 10,000 bags of assorted grains, along with mosquito nets and blankets, to those affected.
“Today, I am in Gummi Local Government Area to offer my condolences and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the communities devastated by flooding caused by heavy rainfall last week,” the governor stated.
“I want to take this opportunity to inform you that I have donated 10,000 bags of food, including rice, maize, and millet, to be distributed among the flood victims. The trucks are already on the way to Gummi for distribution.”
Governor Lawal also outlined long-term measures to address flood management in the area, including the construction of new drainage systems, repairs to existing dams, and the potential building of additional dams. He assured the victims that lands would be allocated to them away from flood-prone zones to ensure their safety and help them rebuild.
Residents of Gummi expressed their gratitude for the governor’s visit, highlighting the significance of his presence and the hope it brought to the affected community.
One resident shared, “We are happy to see the governor visit us. This shows he cares for us. Two-thirds of the people in this community are now homeless because of the flood. For the governor to come and see the situation, that alone has given us hope.”
The Zamfara 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.