In a grand move to provide succour to victims of the recent flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, Governor Umaru Bago yesterday announced the donation of N1 billion and fifty trucks of assorted grains to support the victims.
Announcing this during his visit to the temporary camp at Tiffin Madza Primary School, where hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently camped, Governor Bago, also announced the award of contract for the Mokwa-Raba Road project, including the construction of four new bridges, at the cost of N7 billion.
He explained that the project would ease movement, improve local commerce, and prevent isolation during future flooding.
Bago cautioned residents against building on waterways, warning that such practices contribute to the severity of flood disasters. He said the Ministry of Lands has been directed to issue a Certificate of Occupancy to the Federal Government to facilitate the permanent resettlement of affected persons.
While the current IDP camp remains a temporary arrangement until the end of the month, the governor assured that each displaced family will receive financial assistance for rent as they await the completion of permanent housing.
“The government is fully committed to restoring comfort and normalcy to your lives,” Governor Bago said. He also offered heartfelt prayers for the victims, saying, “Allah has destined everything, and He will comfort the people during this difficult time.”
Speaking during the visit, Hussaini Ibrahim, the Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), gave a harrowing account of the flood’s impact: 206 lives were lost, including men, women, and children, 82 others sustained injuries, many of them severe; 458 homes were completely destroyed; 180 hectares of farmland were submerged; 3,534 people were displaced, now living in makeshift shelters;
And 9,560 people remain in urgent need of humanitarian aid, including food, clean water, shelter, and medical care.
“The scale of destruction is heartbreaking,” Hussaini said. “Entire families have been uprooted, livelihoods destroyed, and communities broken.”