No fewer than 20 people have been confirmed dead in the last two weeks in Gashua, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State, following the collapse of houses due to heavy rainfall.
The Executive Chairman of the local government area, Babagana Ibrahim, stated that “many residents are now taking refuge in three designated camps.” He added that the government is currently providing the immediate needs of the displaced persons, including “food items, medical care, hygiene kits, clean drinking water, and food to protect them from any disease outbreaks.”
Ibrahim is seeking additional support from the federal government and donor agencies. He emphasized, “The number of displaced persons has risen to about 3,000. We need the federal government and donor agencies to support states and local government areas affected by the flood in providing relief materials to them.”
He further revealed, “It’s been raining these days, and many houses are collapsing, especially mud houses. This morning alone, four people have been confirmed dead in Gashua.”
He also noted that two federal roads leading to Gashua have been cut off in the last ten days, complicating efforts for humanitarian workers to reach the displaced persons. To prevent further casualties, the chairman has directed those living in mud houses to vacate.
As the situation unfolds, Ibrahim assures that the local government is doing its best to manage the crisis and urges for more assistance from all levels of government and humanitarian agencies.
