Many people were rendered homeless yesterday, following an early downpour that lasted several hours and submerged houses and properties in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The rain, which commenced at about 1:00 a.m., affected mostly Abuja Phase 1, located in the heart of Jalingo city. Several houses and properties worth millions of naira were also washed away by flood last year.
When The Guardian visited the scene, the victims pleaded for assistance from the government, individuals and corporate organisations. Citing last year’s flood that left some of them incapacitated, the victims blamed the absence of drainage in most parts of Jalingo metropolis, as one of the major reasons for incessant flood, especially in Abuja Phase 1.
Some of the victims, who spoke to The Guardian, called on the incoming state governor, Kefas Agbu, to work round the clock by addressing the perennial floods in the state capital.
According to them, destruction has just begun when the rains had not fully commenced. They said the authorities, as a matter of urgency, needed to put in place mechanisms that would halt the spread of floods in Jalingo and its environs.
One of the victims, who identified himself simply as Silas, expressed sadness that corporate organisations are not doing enough to assist government and citizens of Taraba State. He said: “This yearly flood can be prevented if concerned authorities are proactive by constructing drainages in all the areas where they are needed.”
