By Shehu Zarge
The Lawmaker representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, has donated cash and relief materials to victims of a devastating rainstorm in Bara Village, Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The recent rainstorm claimed the lives of two women and destroyed 366 houses, 30 perimeter walls, and eight electricity poles. The disaster also swept away livestock, including cows, goats and sheep, while causing extensive damage to other property and valuables.
The relief package donated by the Senator included N6.5 million in cash, 100 bags of rice, 100 bags of maize, 100 mattresses, 200 mats, 150 blankets, 100 wrappers, 100 bundles of kaftan materials for male victims, and 100 pillows.
Presenting the items at the palace of the District Head of Bara, Alhaji Muhammadu Abdullahi yesterday, Senator Buba Umar sympathised with the victims over their losses, describing the disaster as an act of God and praying that such calamities would not recur.
The lawmaker also pledged to raise the matter on the floor of the Senate upon resumption from the National Assembly’s current two-week recess.
Senator Buba, who is also the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate for the 2027 elections in Bauchi State, extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster and prayed for the repose of their souls.
He explained that of the N6.5 million donated, N5 million was earmarked for affected victims, while N500,000 each was allocated to youths, women and traditional leaders in the community.
Addressing the victims, Senator Buba assured them of his continued commitment to supporting efforts aimed at alleviating their suffering and helping them rebuild their lives.
Also contributing during the visit, the member representing the area in the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Suleiman Sani Kusa, donated N300,000 to the victims and N200,000 to youths in the community.
Members of the Senator’s entourage included PRP candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly positions, Hon. Shehu Aliyu Musa, Suleiman Musa and Engr. Rabi’u Guyaba, respectively, as well as Comrade Nuhu Toro, Hon. Ubati Mohammed Sade and Adamu Gara’u Darazo.
In his remarks, the District Head of Bara, Alhaji Muhammadu Abdullahi, thanked Senator Buba for the donations, describing the gesture as unprecedented in the political history of the district.
He noted that Bara’s location makes it vulnerable to flooding whenever large volumes of water flow into the area from the eastern axis, adding that this year’s disaster was the worst in recent memory.
According to him, the flood destroyed more than 360 houses, several walls and farmlands, while also claiming two lives and numerous livestock.
The District Head appealed to the Senator to facilitate measures that would divert floodwaters away from the town to prevent future occurrences.
He also appreciated Senator Buba for donating a carpet to the Bara Central Juma’at Mosque and prayed for Allah’s blessings upon him.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance, describing Senator Buba as a representative who places the welfare of his constituents above personal interests.