Bauchi: Floods claim three lives, destroy property worth millions

Severe flooding caused by continuous heavy rainfall in the Bauchi North Senatorial District has resulted in the deaths of at least three people. The torrential downpour, which lasted for three days, also led to the loss of livestock, the destruction of farmland, and damage to properties worth millions of naira.

In response to the tragedy, Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed, has formed a high-level committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr Ibrahim Kashim Mohammed, to evaluate the damage in the affected areas.

The committee, accompanied by key state officials such as the State Commissioner of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Hajara Yakubu Wanka, and the Commissioner of Housing and Environment, Rt Hon Danlami Ahmad Kawule, among others, visited Giade Local Government Area (LGA) to assess the situation. Notably, the Giade-Shira section of the Federal Highway was completely washed away, rendering it impassable.

The team also inspected the Giade-Azare State Road and the Azare-Jama’are section of the Kano-Maiduguri Expressway, both of which suffered extensive damage due to the floods.

The SSG, speaking on behalf of the Governor, expressed heartfelt sympathy to the victims and assured them that the government would provide necessary relief to help alleviate their suffering.

Mas’ud Aliyu, the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), reported that thousands of people have been displaced, with their homes and farmlands destroyed. He confirmed the deaths of three individuals and stated that ongoing assessments are being conducted across the three affected LGAs.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Giade LGA expressed his appreciation to the Governor for sending the delegation, highlighting that many communities and villages have been submerged by the floodwaters.