A devastating flood caused by the release of water from the Jebba and Kainji dams in Niger State has submerged over 5,000 hectares of rice plantations in Kwara State, leading to an estimated loss of N11.5 billion.
The disaster, which primarily affected rice-producing communities in Edu, Moro, and Patigi local government areas, has thrown thousands of farmers into crisis and raised concerns over national food security.
The flood swept through major farming zones, including Fonga and Jebba in Moro LGA, Lade, Patigi, and Kpada in Patigi LGA, as well as Shonga, Bacita, and Lafiagi in Edu LGA. These areas are known for their significant contributions to Nigeria's rice supply.
Impact on Farmers and Food Security
During an assessment visit to Shonga, Ahmed Adamu-Saba, the lawmaker representing Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, described the situation as catastrophic.
"This isn't just about farmland being flooded; it's about thousands of livelihoods lost overnight and the ripple effect on food availability across the country," Adamu-Saba stated.
He emphasized that the affected farmers, primarily dry-season rice growers, were unprepared for such an event, as flooding outside the rainy season is uncommon. According to him, rice from Kwara's farming communities is among Nigeria's finest, feeding millions across the country.
Call for Federal Intervention and Relief Efforts
Adamu-Saba pledged to raise the matter in the House of Representatives once sessions resume, urging federal agencies to investigate the circumstances behind the dam releases.
In an effort to support the affected farmers, he distributed relief materials, including:
150 bags of NPK fertilizer
50 knapsack sprayers
50 bags of rice seeds
170 litres of pesticides and chemicals
10 solar-powered water pumps
Similarly, Gideon Yisa, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Edu Constituency, called on the federal government to step in with urgent assistance to prevent a prolonged food crisis.
State Government's Response
Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has directed an investigation into the cause of the flooding. He also dispatched top government officials to inspect the affected farmlands and assess the extent of damage.
As farmers struggle to recover from the disaster, stakeholders in the agricultural sector warn that the loss of such a vast expanse of rice farms could lead to increased rice prices, affecting both local markets and national food supply.
