By Abdullahi Tuku | Birnin Kebbi | Nigeria News Today
The Kebbi State Government has called on the Federal Government to take urgent action in repairing several roads and bridges damaged by recent flooding across the state.
Speaking to journalists after visiting four heavily affected local government areas, the State Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, emphasised that the disaster has created serious transportation challenges, especially on federal Trunk “A” roads.
According to him, the heavy rainfall triggered extensive flooding which destroyed farmlands, washed away bridges, and cut off communities from the rest of the country.
“Major bridges have completely collapsed and farmlands have been submerged. This is threatening the country’s food chain since Kebbi State remains a key food basket of the nation,” he said.
The Commissioner appealed to the Federal Government to intervene quickly to avert further socio-economic disruption.
During the inspection, the delegation visited Makera/Kangiwa Road (Birnin Kebbi LGA), Bunza/Natsini and Maidahini/Bunza Roads (Bunza LGA), Fana/Dakingari Road (Dandi LGA), Aljannare in Suru LGA, and Gwadangwaji quarters in the state capital, where erosion is rapidly worsening.
At Fana town, the District Head, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Fana, thanked the state governor for the prompt dispatch of the assessment committee. He noted that the town had been temporarily cut off, adding that residents created a makeshift route for light vehicles and pedestrians. He also confirmed that the state government delivered bags of rice and ₦50 million to assist affected residents.
Some commuters interviewed by The Bureau News expressed hope that the Federal Government would promptly award contracts for road reconstruction, with one noting that travellers had been stranded for seven days after falling into a flooded section of the road.
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