Some communities in Adamawa State have cried out over perennial flooding that usually leave in its trail massive havoc to lives and properties calling on the federal government to address the menace permanently.
At a world press conference, the national association of Mbula youths said they can not continue to live on relief package every time there was flood noting that what they need was a permanent solution.
Addressing the press in Yola on Thursday, the spokesman of the youth, Emmanuel Nathaniel Ali urged the federal government to construct Dasin Hausa Dam that was on the pipeline since 1980’s and also dredge the River Benue so that Mbula people and many other communities living along river Benue bank could have some respite.
Ali noted that the Mbula communities cut across many local governments in the state including Demsa, Girei, Numan, Shelleng, Yola South and Taraba State.
“It is no news that year in year out, our people are left at the mercies of the elements of nature when the rivers overflow its banks. This is so because of the annual release of excess water from Lagdo dam in Cameroon republic and Kiri dam in Shelleng local government.
“The release does not only affect the Mbula communities but extends to other states of the federation. According to the permanent secretary of the federal ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, Mr. Sani Gwarzo the 2022 flood has so far wreaked havoc in 31 states of the federation and the FCT.
“As we address the world today over this plague, it is sad to note that most communities in Mbula are still flooded. People have been displaced, farmlands completely washed away by the flood our houses destroyed and flattened to the ground. We cannot continue to suffer like this.
“This situation is controllable. Our people can no longer continue to live on relief materials each time flooding occurs. Something has to be done drastically and in the right direction to curtail this monster otherwise, no one knows the level of damage it will cause tomorrow. From Mbula Kuli to Borrong, Dilli and Dwam are all taken over by flood. Some of our people as we speak sleep outside in the harsh whether conditions because their houses have been destroyed,” he said.
