The Kaduna State government has issued a strong appeal to residents living in flood-prone areas, urging them to relocate to safer alternative lands provided by the state.
This advisory follows a destructive flood that swept through Sabon-Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas on Monday, damaging over 200 homes.
The Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), Dr. Usman Hayatu-Mazadu, made this call while addressing the press on Tuesday evening.
He emphasized the urgent need for residents in vulnerable areas to heed the warnings and relocate, especially with the rainy season expected to be longer and more intense this year.
Dr. Hayatu-Mazadu explained that the state government had been proactive in mitigating the impact of floods through several measures, including desilting drainages and running extensive sensitization campaigns.
He noted that despite these efforts, the refusal of some residents to relocate had exacerbated the damage, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of homes in the affected regions.
“The flood that hit Sabon-Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas has caused significant destruction, with over 200 houses affected,” Dr. Hayatu-Mazadu stated. “This disaster was not entirely unexpected, as three months ago, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had issued flood warnings for several parts of the country, including Kaduna State.”
He further revealed that the state government had identified several factors contributing to the flooding, such as inadequate drainage systems, the improper disposal of refuse, and structures built within waterways.
In response, the government initiated a statewide desilting exercise to clear out old drainages, which helped reduce the impact of the floods in other areas.
Despite these preventive measures, the Executive Secretary noted that many residents in high-risk zones did not evacuate when advised to do so. This refusal to relocate had devastating consequences, with significant damage to homes and properties.
“We have engaged with radio stations over 15 times to spread the message, but we are still encountering resistance,” Dr. Hayatu-Mazadu said. “The issue of security and safety is not just the governor’s responsibility; it is about understanding the need to protect our lives and properties.”
