Tragedy Strikes Gashua: Floods Claim 20 Lives, Displace 3,000 in Yobe State
Tada Jutha, Damaturu
In a devastating turn of events, the Gashua community in Bade Local Council, Yobe State, has been submerged by floodwaters from the Kumadugu/Yobe River, leaving a trail of destruction.
The deluge, which claimed 20 lives, has displaced over 3,000 residents, forcing many to seek refuge in neighbouring areas.
The burst of riverbanks was triggered by the four-day downpour of rainfall that destroyed many houses and farmlands, including livestock.
Confirming the loss of lives and property, on Saturday, in Gashua, the Chairman of Bade Local Council, Babagana Ibrahim, disclosed: “The displaced residents are taking refuge at three designated camps in primary and secondary schools.
He added that most of the affected households were living in mud-built houses before they collapsed.
The chairman said the state government had provided some relief materials, including medical and hygiene kits and potable water, to prevent the outbreaks of diseases in the border community with the Niger Republic.
The council boss, therefore, appealed for additional support from the federal government and other donor agencies, as the displacement of residents living on the riverbanks could rise by the end of this month.
Besides, Ibrahim noted that the collapse of the Potiskum-Gashua Bridge has also cut off Gashua and Jakusko communities, including Machina, Nguru, Yusufari, and Yunusari Local Government Areas in the state.
He lamented that the two washed-off federal roads have remained impassable by motorists for the last ten days, while the flood waters continue to ravage communities and their farmlands.
The chairman, therefore, directed households still living in mud houses to relocate to upland areas to prevent further casualties on lives and property.
