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By Amaechi Agbo

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouk, Wednesday visited Kebbi State and sympathized with the government and people of the state over the ravaging impact of flooding in the state where she distributed palliatives to the affected victims and the vulnerable in the state

The minister who was in company of the state governor, Abubakar Bagudu also visited the scene of the bridge dislodged by flood in Dukku- Makera road.

The Honourable minister conveyed the sympathy and solidarity of the Federal Government to the Kebbi state government and people of Kebbi State over the recent flood that inundated many communities and farmlands.

On behalf of President, Muhammadu Buhari, Honourable Farouq accompanied by the Governor, Atiku Bagudu and Sen Adamu Aliero flagged off the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable persons in Kebbi State.

Thereafter, the minister paid a courtesy call on The Emir of Gwandu and Chairman, Kebbi Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar, informing the Emir that her visit which was directed by President Muhammadu Buhari “is to condole with the people over the recent flooding”.

She assured the Emir that ministry will work with other MDAs to provide immediate support to affected farmers.

The Emir thanked the federal government for their continuous intervention, while urging the FG to continue to assist the state especially by supporting farmers affected by the flood

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Kebbi State Emergency Management Authority (KSEMA), Alhaji Sani Dododo has disclosed that five different bridges had been washed away across the state by the flooding
 
The Birnin-Kebbi-Makera-Kangiwa road, an international highway, which runs from the state capital to Niger Republic, is at the risk of caving in at Duku. Some of the minor bridges and culverts along the highway are already caving in, following erosion caused by rising water overflowing the nearby River Rima. 

Also, the Bagudo-Tuga-Kaoje route, which leads to Benin Republic border, including the Tuga Bridge, is also submerged, cutting border communities. Dododo, who confirmed the number of deaths recorded so far, said 10 people died in a boat that capsized at Ihiru in Jega Local Government.