Local authorities have confirmed the death of three persons as a result of a boat mishap and the submerging of over 25 communities across Taraba State.

The Nation gathered that the unfortunate events happened as a result of the torrential rainfall experienced throughout the week across Ibbi, Karim Lamido and Lau LGAs of the State as well as the release of excess water from Lagdo Dam in the Republic of Cameroon.

The Caretaker Chairman of Ibi Local Government Council in Taraba State, Hon Bala Bako, has confirmed the boat mishap.

According to him, the boat was filled with passengers going to Sarkin Kudus market across the river. “While taking off from the bank, the boat engine went off. The engine of the boat hit a building at the bank and it broke into pieces. From there, some passengers were rescued while a woman and two children were not seen,” he stated.

He said the council had provided life jacket for use to safeguard lives and that passenger manifest would be provided for documentation of people crossing the river.

Meanwhile, traditional authorities of Old Muri in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State are calling on state authorities to come to their aid due to the ongoing flood disaster which has destroyed crops and rendered many homeless.

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According to the Chief of Old Muri in Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Abdullahi Mohammed Chiroma, who spoke to a local broadcast station, the flood has destroyed crops and farmlands, while also displacing residents of affected communities.

He said the places affected by the flood include: Komodoro, Pai, Belango, Nahuta, Shemel, Bonada Ziddi, Jabjab, Didango, Gorowa and Binnari.

He added that the crops affected include: maize, guinea-corn, cassava, rice, soya bean, millet.

He called for assistance in terms of food items, shelters and security to cushion the plight of victims.

The flooding was also attributed to the overflow of Lagdo Dam in the Republic of Cameroon which flows through the River Benue in Nigeria.

The District Head of Karim, in Karim Lamido Local Government area, Kuh Roman Ntiri, mentioned the villages affected to include: Nibolo, Madaka, Kiffi, Madaka, Yama, Bandawa, Sanga, Usmanu, Jen, Gorowa and Didango.

Roman revealed that the flood has so far destroyed crops leaving farmers in a precarious condition.

Similarly, the Village Head of Lau, Aliyu Baba Musa, said Nwaka, Bwei Nyakwele, Bwei Baba, Bwei Iyaka, Donnada, Doubeli villages and Lau town were affected by the flood.