Flood destroys 300 farms in Sokoto villages

Category: News Published on Wednesday, 30 January 2013 05:00

Assorted crops estimated at millions of naira in about 317 farms have been washed away by flood in four villages of Rabah local government area of Sokoto State.

Similarly, 206 irrigation farmers were also said to have been affected in Raha, Gigane, Tsamiya and Dan’Ali villages by the disaster.

Secretary Rabah local government Alhaji Gidado Shuni, who confirmed incident, said the flood was as a result of the “sudden release of water from the Bakolori dam in Zamfara State”.

He said the affected farm produce include groundnut, soya beans, cowpea and onions, saying the local government set up a committee to assess damage caused by the flood.

The secretary called on the farmers to remain calm as the council intended to give assistance the flood victims as soon as the committee completes and submits its report.

The council scribe urged the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority to always alert local governments on the fringes of the Goronyo and Bakalori dams before the release of water towards ensuring farmers take the precautionary measures.

Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority Engr. Yusuf Khalid explained that release of the water followed an emergency request by Sokoto Water Board.