Taraba Flood Disaster: 182 Homes, 72 Farmlands Destroyed as Communities Count Losses

The Taraba State Commissioner for Urban Development, Peter Julius, has shared his personal ordeal in the recent flood disaster that struck his hometown, Kunini, in Lau Local Government Area.

Julius explained that the incident came suddenly and overwhelmed the community. While residents are accustomed to flooding whenever the river overflows its banks, he noted that this time was different as the waters cascaded from the mountains, leaving the lowland settlement severely affected.

The commissioner, who is also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Lau in the forthcoming local government elections, confirmed that although no human lives were lost, the community suffered the destruction of animals, food supplies, and property.

Providing further details, the Chairman of Lau Local Government, Nigeria Ezra, revealed that 182 houses, 72 farmlands, and 51 goats were swept away by the flood. He stressed that although there were no fatalities, families remain in grave danger and urgently require government intervention.

“Our people are in danger. Many have lost their homes and farmlands. We are calling on the government to intervene,” Ezra appealed.

Similarly, the Councillor of Kunini Ward, Yakubu Yunana, painted a grim picture of the displaced residents’ condition. He said they had been evacuated to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Pilot Primary School, but access to clean water is a major concern as most wells in the community were destroyed. According to him, at least seven villages were affected by the flood.

On government response, the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Saviour Noku, disclosed that assessment teams had already been deployed to the affected areas. He added that residents had earlier been sensitized on relocating to safer ground and assured that Governor Agbu Kefas had approved immediate measures to provide secure shelter and relief materials for the displaced victims.