Vice President in Plateau to asses flood damage

Jos – Vice President Namadi Sambo arrived in Jos on Saturday to assess the extent of damage to parts of Plateau devastated by the August floods in the country.

The vice president, who moved straight to Shendam, after landing at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, was accompanied by the governors of  Nasarawa and Plateau, Tanko Almakura and Jonah Jang.

Other officials in the team included the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Ahmed Sidi, and the Commander, Special Task Force in charge of peace in Plateau, Maj.-Gen. Henry Ayoola.

Also in the team are Water Resources Minister Sarah Ochekpe and the state Police Commissioner, Mr Emmanuel Ayeni.

Sambo went round the affected areas in a chopper to assess the extent of damage before moving to the Shendam township stadium to meet victims and some community leaders.

The flood had hit many local governments, including Shendam, Langtang North and South, Mangu, Wase, Kanam, Pankshin, Jos North and Jos South, Kanke, Riyom and Barkin Ladi.

According to NEMA Coordinator in the North-Central, Alhaji Abdulsalam Mohammed, hundreds were killed, while several thousands were rendered homeless because their houses were washed away.

The floods also washed several farms, destroyed several bridges and the link road between Plateau and two states – Nasarawa and Taraba. (NAN)