Jigawa: Farmers Lament Loses To Flooding, Demand Compensation From River Basin Authority

By Ayodele Oni

Farmers in Jigawa state have blamed the management of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) for the huge loss suffered as a result of this year’s flooding.

The group of farmers demanded an immediate assessment of the damages caused by the flood and pay them compensation to sustain their production.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, the Special Adviser to Governor Badaru Abubakar on Media, Malam Habibu Ringim said, the excess water released by the authority contributed in worsening the flooding around Hadejia river, which led to unprecedented loss of farm lands and houses in 11 local government areas of the state.

According to him, in a letter signed by the  Managing Director, Hadejia Jamare Mamun  and addressed to the Secretary Jigawa State Government on 9th August 2022, alerted the government and the public on  plan to release excess water from Tiga Dam.

He further explained that the flooding that occurred between August and September may not be unconnected to the release of the excess water by the Authority.

Malam Ringim pointed out that, the damaged caused by the flooding was  huge and farmers cannot bear the loss alone.

He added that there is need for the management of the River Basin Development Authority to pay compensation to the victims.

He also called on people of the state, including civil societies, to join hands in demanding from the HDJRBDA to look into the predicament of the farmers and pay compensation for their loss.

The Governor’s aide however expressed dismay on the nonchalant attitude exhibited by the management of the authority in managing the river, dams and other irrigation facilities.

He noted that the management for reasons best known to them, deny farmers enough water during the dry season farming, which sabotaged the federal government’s food policy, while discharging  excess water during raining season.

Ringim called on President Muhammadu Buhari to reconstitute the management of HJRBDA by bringing competent hands who can manage it effectively.

Jigawa is one of the states that is worst hit by flood this year, with over 140 reported deaths, 100,000 people displaced, hundreds hectares of farm lands destroyed and many public infrastructures.