By Mohammed Abubakar, Dutse
As the casualty figure from the flooding in Jigawa State continues to rise, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the government and people of the State of federal government assistance to alleviate the suffering of victims.
Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, who delivered the President’s message when he visited the State Governor, Umar Namadi, at the Government House, Dutse, pledged that his administration would work in collaboration with the State government towards ensuring that the victims of the flood get the required support.
At a personal level, the Minister, who is the immediate past Governor of the State made a donation of N 20 million to the State to mitigate the harsh effect of the flooding on the people while the State government waits for the comprehensive package of relief assistance from the the federal government.
Abubakar described this year’s flooding experience as sad and sorrowful given the high figure of casualties so far recorded both in terms of human and material resources.
According to the Minister: “Let me say that the situation is so tragic and saddening. Because as at today, I learnt that a total of 1,148 communities have been affected, involving 7,500 households affecting more than 50,000 and 11,500 farmlands washed away with 33 lives lost to the flood.”
The Minister prayed to Allah to grant the repose of the souls of the departed and replenish those who lost their properties and belongings in the incident, noting that as Muslims they should take solace in the belief that nothing happens without the knowledge of Allah.
He lauded the Governor’s quick intervention and rapid response in the way relief materials were being distributed to the victims, an indicator that the Governor had the welfare and the interest of the people at heart.
Responding, the Governor described the visit by the Minister as a soothing balm, noting that his compassion for the people of the State had not waned even after leaving the seat of the Governor of the State.
Namadi said: “We know your compassion. We are following your footsteps in terms of running the government and showing of compassion for the peoples’ welfare. Your visit, therefore, is not out of place and we thank you for all the guidance and support for our people.”
“We know your compassion, we know how you love the State. In whatever we’re doing, we’re following your footsteps. So, certainly, your visit today for those of us who know you, is not a surprising development. So, we thank you for your guidance, assistance and concerns for the people of the State.”
The Governor described this year’s flood as “entirety different from what we used to know. As you know, we normally experience this kind of rains towards the end of September to early October when the water is released from the dams, so, we feel that your visit to us will be a game changer in the approach to the tackling the flood situation in the State.”