A recent investigation conducted by Vanguard indicates that 3,029 houses in Kebbi State were destroyed by severe flooding between 2023 and 2026. This natural disaster has displaced more than 4,000 households, with many victims forced to find shelter in local schools or with family members.
Local residents have pointed to a lack of adequate drainage systems as a primary cause, though some have acknowledged that building homes on natural waterways has exacerbated the problem. Mustapha Bello, a resident of Sakita, emphasized that the construction of proper township roads with functional drainage could significantly mitigate the damage. While some survivors confirmed receiving emergency supplies from the state and national agencies, they are now calling for a permanent solution through official resettlement programs.
Tsahara Lawali, a resident of the Rafin Atiku area, noted that while the government performs periodic drainage maintenance, it is insufficient to handle the increasing intensity of seasonal floods. She urged the administration to take more decisive action regarding the local stream.
Responding to these concerns, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Zuru, a special adviser to the governor, stated that the current administration is actively addressing the flood crisis through extensive road and drainage infrastructure projects. He noted that the state has established a proactive rapid response system to assist those affected. Furthermore, the government has issued strict warnings to individuals who continue to build on floodplains, citing that such actions invite future penalties.
