Buni approves N100 Million support for Yobe flood victims in 323 communities
By Tada Juthan
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved N100 million to support flood victims affected in the 323 communities across the state.
According to him, over 12, 000 households were affected, including the deaths of 29 people and the injuries of 274 others in the recent floods.
Buni, represented by his deputy, Idi Gubana, yesterday (Wednesday), at Jaji-Maji, Karasuwa disclosed: “The N100 million in support from the state government would be disbursed based on the levels of damages to both property and farmlands, including livestock.”
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Baba Wali, and the former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, had also supported the flood victims with N41 million and other relief materials.
In a breakdown of disbursement, he said N50 million is earmarked for Nguru community households, while Karasuwa and Nangere affected local councils will get N30 million and N20 million, respectively.
Besides, he added that the state government will also distribute food and non-food items to the affected families of the affected households.
“The State’s Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) will ensure immediate distribution of the relief materials,” he said, as well as blankets, clothes, building materials, and cooking utensils.
Gubana also assured the flood victims that the Buni administration is committed to addressing the root causes of floods in the state.
His words: “We’ve plans to embark on the construction of reservoirs, earth dams, and water channels,” noting that the drainage facilities and other water channels will mitigate and reduce the risks associated with flooding in communities.
The deputy governor added that consultants are currently finalising their assessments, and they are expected to commence work before the end of this year.
While responding to the interventions, the emirs of Nguru and Tikau, Alhaji Mustapha Ibn Galadima and Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Grema, pledged to support the state government in overcoming the perennial flooding.
In Nangere, Gubana reaffirmed the government’s commitment to construct a dam in Kanda to protect various communities.
He noted that the completion of the earth dam could also enhance agricultural and livestock production to boost employment and food security.
