Following the recent rainstorm and strong windstorm that caused unprecedented natural disaster in Jalingo metropolis, Taraba state capital, the Senate has called on the federal government to assist victims. Specifically, the upper chamber urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to, as a matter of urgency, provide relief materials to the affected persons.
It also called on the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to direct the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (DISCO) to facilitate the restoration of power supply to Jalingo and its environs.
Similarly, the Senate, which observed a one minute silence for the repose of the souls of the deceased, and urged the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) to draw the attention of various service providers on the need to reinforce their masts to withstand rain and windstorm in the area. These resolutions followed a motion, entitled: “The destruction of lives and properties by rain/ windstorm in Jalingo metropolis and the urgent need for relief materials to be provided to the victims”, sponsored by Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau (Taraba North) during plenary. Presenting the motion, Lau said “So far, five people were confirmed dead, many injured and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed” during the May 5 disaster.”
He added that “since the occurrence of the disaster about three weeks ago, Jalingo metropolis has been in total darkness as several electricity poles and communication masts have fallen down causing the death people as earlier mentioned.” According to him, informal preliminary or emergency support services were given to some of the victims by public-spirited individuals by way of temporary shelter, accommodation and treatment. Contributing, the deputy minority leader of the senate, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (PDP, Taraba South), stressed the need for both government and individuals to return to the practice of ecosystem and tree planting to prevent reoccurrence of such disaster.
In his remarks, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, advised the government, establishments and individuals to be involved in tree planting and other measures that could prevent recurring natural disaster in the country.