In a recent unfortunate event, the Shonga community in the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State experienced a devastating flood, resulting in the loss of one life and submerging 3,000 hectares of rice farmland. Approximately 5,000 farmers were affected by this unexpected natural disaster.
A government agency known as the Kwara Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the area, confirming the extensive damage caused by the flood. The community was left reeling from the impact of the flooding, which took them by surprise.
During a visit by a state government delegation, the Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahya, expressed disbelief at the unusual timing of the flood, as there had been no prior rainfall. He urged the government to investigate the local causes of the flood, pointing out the dry conditions in neighboring regions.
The Emir highlighted the need to prevent such disasters in the future to avoid food insecurity, especially considering the significant number of farmers affected by the flood. The community reported one casualty and widespread damage to rice plantations, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance and support.
Acknowledging Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s prompt response to the crisis, the Nakodi of Shonga, Alhaji Sulaiman Baiwa Yahya, conveyed gratitude to the authorities for their efforts in assessing the impact of the flood. The community faces challenges ahead as they work to recover from the aftermath of this devastating event.