Taraba Floods Ravage Communities: 182 Homes, 72 Farmlands Lost To Raging Waters

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

Julius explained that the disaster struck unexpectedly, overwhelming the community. He noted that while residents usually brace for flooding whenever the river overflows its banks, this particular incident was different as the floodwaters descended from the mountains, leaving the lowland settlement severely impacted.

The commissioner, who is also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Lau in the forthcoming local government elections, confirmed that the community lost animals and food supplies but recorded no human casualties.

Providing further details, the Chairman of Lau Local Government, Nigeria Ezra, reported that 182 homes, 72 farmlands, and 51 goats were destroyed in the disaster. He emphasized that although no lives were lost, affected families remain in serious danger and urgently need government assistance.

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

The Councillor of Kunini Ward, Yakubu Yunana, described the dire conditions of displaced residents, saying they have been evacuated to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Pilot Primary School. He added that access to clean water remains a challenge, as the flood destroyed most of the community’s wells. According to him, at least seven villages were affected.

On government response, the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Saviour Noku, disclosed that teams had been deployed to the affected areas. He noted that residents had previously been sensitized to relocate to safer ground and assured that the governor had approved measures to provide secure shelter and relief materials for those displaced.