Flood kills 20, displaces 3,000 residents in Yobe community

Around 20 people died while 3,000 residents were displaced yesterday when the Kumadugu/Yobe River burst its banks and submerged the Gashua community in Bade Local Council of Yobe State.

Four days of heavy rainfall triggered the flooding, which destroyed many houses, farmlands, and livestock. Confirming the loss of life and property yesterday in Gashua, Bade Local Council Chairman Babagana Ibrahim stated, “The displaced residents are taking refuge at three designated camps in primary and secondary schools.”

He added that most affected households lived in mud-built houses, which collapsed in the flood. Ibrahim reported that the state government has provided relief materials, including medical and hygiene kits and drinking water, to prevent disease outbreaks in the border community with Niger Republic.

The council boss 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.

Additionally, Ibrahim noted that the collapse of the Potiskum-Gashua Bridge has cut off Gashua and Jakusko communities, including Machina, Nguru, Yusufari, and Yunusari Local Councils in the state.

He expressed concern that the two washed-out federal roads have remained impassable to motorists for the last 10 days. The chairman directed households still living in mud houses to relocate to higher ground to prevent further casualties.