More than 78 people have been rendered homeless in Gbajibo community in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State as flood destroyed both cash crops and other property.

Speaking when he paid a sympathy visit to the community at the weekend, member, House of Representatives, representing Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency, Zakari Mohammed, urged Nigerians to take issue of environment serious.

The lawmaker, who donated materials worth N3 million to the flood victims, said the National Assembly was collating a comprehensive report on the areas affected by floods in all parts of the country, adding that his donation was a way to show commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

Some of the items donated to the victims included mattresses, tubers of yam, assorted fruit drinks, bags of rice and blankets, just as he said that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) would also make its donation in due course.

Hon. Mohammed, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Media, said the need to take issue of environment more serious became imperative because most of the affected communities were located on waterways.

"We know that water will always find its level. What we should do is to have proper dam along the line because it has capacity to absorb water. Even when water is released from the dam, the tendency to become flood would be reduced to the barest minimum.

"Of course, it's a wake-up call to us too that if we put up structures and infrastructures, we have to endeavour to make consideration and good provision for issues of environment so that we can protect our investment and property," he said.

The lawmaker also admonished the people to have faith on God, saying, "as fishermen and farmers, you cannot take them away from the water, but I will plead with our people to stay a considerable distance away from rivers. I believe this is when we should assist them with prayers and material support."