Press Release: Gov. Bagudu Visits Flood Victims in Bagudo, Kende, and Directs Immediate Provision of Food Relief

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has directed immediate provision of food, water and construction of additional toilets to displaced people affected by the floods in Bagudo local government area of Kebbi.

The governor gave the directive on Friday while on visit to commiserate with internally displaced persons whose houses and property were destroyed by the floods in several communities of Bagudo and Kende.

Bagudu trekked long distance to see for himself extent of damage caused by the floods to houses, government infrastructure like roads and bridges. He also took time to console the displaced community members by interacting with them.

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was at Bagudo Kudu Primary School and Government Day Secondary School Kende where hundreds of IDPs including women and children were given shelter by the government.

Addressing hundreds of flood victims at Bagudo Kudu Primary School, governor Bagudu commiserated with the victims over the terrible situation.

The governor said state government will assist flood victims, across the state, to rebuild their houses destroyed by the disasters.

According to him, the state government will however relocate other victims who cannot rebuild their former houses even when the flood waters recede.

He said the visit was to show sympathy to the flood victims, as well as pray fervently for the Almighty Allah to prevent the recurrence of the unpalatable disasters.

Bagudu also expressed concern that, the victims were displaced sequel to the unforeseen and uncontrollable natural phenomenon of flood.

He said “We are all concerned with your inevitable plight and President Muhammadu Buhari is sympathising with all of you.”

“We are all in it. It is a collective loss and concerned, but; the state government will do everything humanly possible to alleviate your suffering.”

“You should all be patient and fervently prayerful, nothing will be enough, but, we will try our best to flood victims, across the state.”

Bagudu directed the Chairman of the area to immediately swing into action, with a view to provide adequate potable water, toilet, sanitation and health facilities to the IDPs.

He said that, the state government will strive to prevent the outbreak of waterborne and communicable diseases, just as he urged women to always boil water before drinking it.

He also directed the local government with women leaders to identify the special needs of women like domestic items, as well as other peculiar needs of women and children.

“We will strive to provide all your immediate needs, while arrangements are also on by SEMA and the local governments to provide your long term needs.”

“These disasters are trials from the Almighty Allah, but, we will surmount these challenges with absolute prayers and patience,” Bagudu, added.

A spokesperson of the victims, Hajiya Kulu Koshe, commended the Governor for the visit, saying that, the gesture was extremely consoling and heart-warming.

She enumerated some of the affected communities whose residents where taking refuge in the camp to include Soshiya, new and old, Tungar Baushe, Saki Jiki, Rani and Maizago, among others .

According to the woman, all their houses had been destroyed, while all their farmlands had been completely submerged.

During the sympathy visit, the governor had also inspected the two major federal government bridges, the Kende and Tugga bridges which are now at the verge of being submerged by the raging floods.

The floods has also rendered many community people homeless, while the general hospital, main market shops and many houses in Bagudo town are either in water or have collapsed.

The situation in Kende is also worst, the floods have completely overtaken the town with the houses submerged in water and many people rendered homeless.

Many adjoining communities in Bagudo such as Saki Jiki, Tungar Zagga, Soshiya,Tungar Gyara,Tungar Himau, MarakeYuna baba da Karama,Tugga among others.

The governor was accompanied on the trip by Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu (Jarman Kabi), Permanent Secretary Government House, Alhaji Aliyu Mustapha Gwandu, Chairman of Bagudo local government, Alhaji Kaura Danhakimi Bagudo, Alhaji Samaila Muhammed (Bambu), State House of Assembly member representing Bagudo/Zagga constituency, Councillors and village heads among others.

On his visit to Bagudo, he was received by the district head of Bagudo, Alhaji Muhammdu Sambo Kaliel while the district head of Kende, Alhaji Aliyu Daudu Zagga welcomed the governor.

Signed:

YAHAYA SARKI
Special Adviser SA Media to Kebbi State Governor
12/9/2020