Two farmers in Orom and Mmiata-Anam, both in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State are reported to have committed suicide following the destruction of their crops by the recent floods in the area.
The men whose names were not immediately available, were said to have taken bank loan ahead of the current farming season but after watching their efforts swept away by the flood and sensing that they might be unable to repay the loan, decided to commit suicide.
Two other farmers affected by the flood, Messrs Obiora Udemze and Akunwanne Okechukwu said the unexpected overflow of the River Niger, which came this year earlier than the normal period of October –November, took the farmers unawares. Crops destroyed include yams, cassava, maize, potatoes and vegetables and Saturday Vanguard was informed that though flood disaster is an annual feature in the area, it had never happened at this time of the year.
The member representing the area in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Okoye has already visited the affected communities during which he called on both the state and federal governments to come to the aide of the people.
Okoye explained yesterday that some of the yams destroyed were the seedlings he donated to the farmers in February this year, adding that the flood disaster might lead to famine next year since the area is the food basket of the state.
The lawmaker had already tabled the matter before the House of Assembly under matters of urgent public importance during which other lawmakers sympathized with the affected people and called for urgent assistance from the state and federal governments. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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How is Anammbraa the food basket of the nation ? Benue is.
ReplyDeleteI wold rather be in debt than commit suicide. Why? Those men, why?
ReplyDeleteWhy? Why? Why?
Anonymous 9.19am, the article says the area is the food basket of the state, not the country!
ReplyDeleteForget,it is not easy ,but they suppose to manage the condition any how,it is a pity.
ReplyDeletewatever d case may b there is no nid to commit suicide, becos our God willalways make a way for us. there ia no mountain we cannot climb wt Jesus who is author n d finisher of our faith
ReplyDelete