Flood Disaster in Kabba/Bunu: Rt. Hon. Mathew Kolawole Sympathizes with Victims, Assures of Strong Lobby for Government Intervention
Akin Fanodun – Kabba
The immediate past Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Prince) Mathew Olusola Kolawole (Yomikola), has expressed deep sympathy and concern over the devastating flood that recently swept through several communities in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, leaving behind sorrow, destruction, and displacement.
Reacting to the tragedy which affected over 500 households, places of worship, and claimed the lives of more than 1,500 domestic animals, the former Speaker described the incident as “a disaster of great magnitude that demands urgent response and long-term solutions.”
He particularly referenced the heartbreaking case of Chief Obahunlewo, the Obaladugbo of Ekiri Quarter in Idde-Iyah, a retired police officer currently undergoing medical treatment, who was left in tears as his home and belongings were completely destroyed by the flood.
Rt. Hon. Kolawole also lamented the damage done to the Source of Life Mountain of Redemption Church (Abosede), where all church property, including musical instruments and chairs, were lost leaving worshippers without a sanctuary.
“This is not just an environmental incident; it is a humanitarian crisis affecting the dignity, safety, and livelihood of our people,” Kolawole stated. “I extend my heartfelt sympathy to all affected families and assure them that I will intensify efforts to lobby both the Kogi State Government and relevant federal agencies, including NEMA, to ensure that relief materials, temporary shelter, and long-term support reach our people without delay.”
Kolawole also used the opportunity to call for collaborative action among all stakeholders government, non-governmental organizations, religious institutions, private sector actors, and well-meaning individuals to come to the aid of Kabba/Bunu.
He further emphasized the importance of flood control measures, proper environmental planning, and drainage infrastructure development, stressing that, “beyond emergency relief, we must invest in preventing such disasters from recurring.”
“I stand in solidarity with the Kabba/Bunu people. We will not leave you to suffer alone. Your pain is our pain, and your recovery will be our shared mission,” he concluded.
