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A devastating flood has ravaged 5,000 hectares of rice farmlands in Shonga, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, with estimated losses valued at 11.5 billion naira.
Each hectare of submerged farmland is worth approximately 2.3 million naira.
Lawmaker representing Edu-Patigi-Moro Constituency at the House of Representatives, Dr. Ahmed Adamu-Saba, visited the affected areas to assess the extent of the damage.
He described the situation as unprecedented in the community’s history, with numerous farmlands submerged due to the opening of rivers Kainji and Jebba.
Dr. Adamu-Saba expressed concerns that the flooding poses a significant threat to national food security.
He pledged to introduce motions at the National Assembly to draw attention to the issue and secure necessary interventions.
To alleviate the suffering of affected farmers, Dr. Adamu-Saba presented relief materials, including fertilizers, water, pumping machines, and new seeds.
He also commended the state government’s efforts to support the community through a committee set up to provide aid.
Member representing Edu Constituency, Mr. Saba Isaa-Gidion, also spoke out against the devastating impact of the flood, which has prevented farmers from accessing their farms.
He criticized the dam operators in Kainji and Jebba for failing to notify farm owners before releasing water and appealed for federal government assistance to support the affected farmers.
A farmer, who spoke on behalf of the others, explain that most of them obtain loan to cultivate their Farmland but with the situation they find themselves now they appeal to the Federal Government to come to their aid.
By Abubakar Umar
