As flooding continues to ravage parts of the country, states are stepping up efforts to protect lives and property.
In Yobe, the government has begun relocating families displaced by floods, while Ondo and Sokoto governments have issued fresh warnings and interventions to prevent further disasters.
The Yobe State Government on Wednesday commenced the relocation of 250 households from Garin Kolo in Nangere Local Government Area, where heavy flooding washed away homes and polluted water sources.
Governor Mai Mala Buni directed the exercise, which the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Mohammed Goje, said was designed to ensure “safety, dignity and hope for recovery” for the victims.
Goje explained that 22 temporary shelters had already been erected with more underway.
The state also installed a water reservoir, five emergency toilets, and stationed an ambulance for medical referrals.
Security was provided by the NSCDC and police, while vulnerable victims requiring treatment were promptly referred to General Hospital Nangere.
Each household received food baskets, and Goje pledged that “support will be sustained and expanded in the coming days.”
He praised the Emir of Tikau, Nangere authorities, the Ministry of Health, RUWASA, and humanitarian partners for their contributions.
Meanwhile, YOSEMA and the National Emergency Management Agency also launched a food relief operation for 518 households in eight Potiskum communities, including Karofi, Bayan Old Prison, Unguwar Makafi, Tsangaya, Ramin Kasa, Jigawa Bayan NTA, Yandiski and Ampana.
The package includes rice, beans, pasta, vegetable oil and condiments.
Goje noted that the flood displaced over 600 residents across 21 communities, stressing that federal and state agencies were working “shoulder to shoulder” to restore hope.
In Ondo, the state government has intensified flood prevention efforts by expanding drainage canals across the 18 local government areas.
During an inspection in Akure on Wednesday, Special Adviser to the Governor on Erosion Control, Elisha Ebijimi, warned residents against dumping refuse in drainage channels.
He disclosed that the state had already worked in Ilaje, Ese Odo, Odigbo and Ile Oluji, with Akure South as the fourth major site, adding that Oba-Ile in Akure North has been marked as the next target.
Ebijimi said canals that were once four metres wide are now being expanded to as much as 25 metres wide and four meters deep.
He added that concrete works would follow, with World Bank support to provide a lasting solution.
“We promised the people of Ondo that under this administration we will say goodbye to flooding. But residents must stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse, which is the major cause,” he said.
In Sokoto, the State House of Assembly called on the government to urgently divert floodwaters that submerged five villages along River Rima in Sabon Birni LGA.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Alhaji Al-Mustapha Aminu (APC–Sabon Birni North) and seconded by Alhaji Sa’idu Ibrahim (APC–Sabon Birni South).
Aminu said heavy rains had cut off the Goronyo–Sabon Birni road at Gajit and Zalla Bango villages, crippling socio-economic activities and emergency response.
He listed the affected villages as Makuwana, Dangawo, Faru Kumbula, Infaruna and Magajin Dawaki.
He appealed to NEMA and SEMA to mobilise relief materials for displaced residents.
In a related motion, the Assembly also approved the upgrading of Amanawa Infectious Diseases Hospital, including new blocks, a paediatric ward, access roads and medical equipment, to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
