Niger Gov donates ₦1bn for Mokwa flood relief, unveils ₦7bn road project
In the wake of the catastrophic flood disaster in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, Governor Umaru Bago has unveiled a series of interventions designed to restore hope and rebuild lives for affected residents.
During his visit to the temporary camp at Tiffin Madza Primary School, home to hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the governor reported that the state government has allocated ₦1 billion and provided fifty trucks of assorted grains to aid flood victims.
Additionally, to enhance regional infrastructure and ensure safer mobility, Governor Bago announced the initiation of the Mokwa-Raba Road project, which includes the construction of four new bridges at an investment of ₦7 billion. “This project will ease movement, improve local commerce, and prevent isolation during future flooding,” Governor Bago emphasized.
The governor also urged residents to refrain from building on waterways, highlighting that such practices exacerbate the impact of flood disasters. He mentioned that the Ministry of Lands will issue a Certificate of Occupancy to the Federal Government, facilitating the permanent resettlement of those affected.
While the current IDP camp remains a temporary measure 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,” he declared, expressing his thoughts with compassion, “Allah has destined everything, and He will comfort the people during this difficult time.”
Hussaini Ibrahim, the Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), described the devastating impact of the flood, reporting:
- 206 lives lost, including men, women, and children;
- 82 individuals with severe injuries;
- 458 homes completely destroyed;
- 180 hectares of farmland submerged;
- 3,534 displaced individuals now in makeshift shelters;
- 9,560 people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including food, clean water, shelter, and medical care.
“The scale of destruction is heartbreaking,” Hussaini expressed. “Entire families have been uprooted, livelihoods destroyed, and communities broken.”
Source: Channels TV
