As predicted, the perennial floods have begun their unsavoury journey across the country with Niger State having a taste. Rafin-Gora community in Kontagora local government area of the state is the latest victim.
A heavy downpour swept through the community and surrounding villages on Wednesday night, taking at least three lives, destroying over 100 households and properties worth millions of Naira.
Five years ago, not less than eight lives were lost in the same vicinity, while in Mairiga, a massive flooding last year led to the exhumation of bbodies and skeletons from a cemetery.
But Governor Mohammed Umar Bago is appealing to the people of the state to desist from building houses on water ways to avoid flooding.
Worse, Everyday.ng observed that the surrounding area, like most parts of Niger State, is devoid of trees to break stormy winds. Many trees have been felled while replacements have not been made over the years.
In addition, it was learnt that financial gifts by top state functionaries rather than professional and systematic solutions have become a pattern over the years.
Bago made a cash donation of N3m on Friday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the victims who have been rendered homeless as a result of the rainstorm that was accompanied with a heavy downpour on Wednesday night.
Represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Muhammad Sarkin Daji, the Governor described the incident as unfortunate and urged the people to desist from erecting their structures on water ways.
Bago noted that though a rainstorm is a natural disaster that could happen anytime, he expressed shock at the level of destruction caused by the rainstorm and the attendant loss of lives and properties.
He said no amount of money could bring back those lives that were lost and therefore urged the people to accept the unfortunate incident as the will of God.
The Speaker also announced N1million donation from the member, representing Kontagora/Magama/Mariga/Wushishi federal constituency, Hon. Idris Garba.
Another member of the assembly representing Kontagora II Constituency Hon. Abdullahi Isah who was also part of the visiting delegation made a personal donation of N500, 000 to the people.
Sarkindaji told the people that the House Assembly recently passed a motion at plenary, urging the Executives Arm to take a proactive measure towards flooding in the state following warning from the Nigerian Metrological Agencies (NiMET) of a possible heavy rainfall this year which will be followed with severe flood.
The District Head of Rafin Gora, Alhaji Usman Mohammed appreciated the governor for his kind gesture and the visit to the community, assuring him that the money will reach the targeted beneficiaries and would be judiciously utilised.