Dutse — Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Sani, has called on the Federal Government to, as matter of urgency, provide Jigawa State with funds to enable it address the menace of erosion and related ecological problems in various communities in the state.

Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday in his palace, the emir said cases of erosion and flooding had become frequent in the state, noting that the problem was beyond the control of the state government.

"Hundreds of communities were sacked by incessant flooding. As a result of this most of the affected communities have been facing serious threats of erosion which needs government's attention. Unless urgent attention is given to the problem, more communities will be sacked by the disaster," said the emir.

He pointed out that Jigawa had never benefited from the ecological funds being allocated to various states that are experiencing erosion disasters. He appealed to the government to assist Jigawa in a similar direction.

"Although, the present administration of Jigawa State is doing its best in addressing the problem of erosion and related disasters, this year's disaster has affected various communities that could not be assisted all by the state government," said the emir.

The emir said reports indicated that thousands of communities had been displaced and uncountable number of farmlands washed away by heavy floods that besieged various communities in the state.

"Just last Friday, about 200 houses were destroyed and several farmlands were washed away by heavy flood that besieged Albasu community in Gumel emirate. Hundreds of households are currently facing difficulties following the damages caused by the disaster. We have heard about similar cases in Ringim, Hadejia, Guri, Kirikassamma, Auyo and several other local governments across the state. I am therefore calling on the state government to come to the aid of the affected communities," he said.