‘We are suffering’: Flood victims in Mokwa claim exclusion from N1bn aid

Victims of the recent flood in Mokwa, Niger State, are expressing their outrage over alleged exclusions from the N1 billion compensation package promised by the state government, emphasizing that many have not received the assistance they desperately need.

In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), affected individuals shared their heart-wrenching accounts on Saturday. Governor Umaru Bago had earlier approved N1 billion to support victims, intending for 458 affected households to receive N1 million each, along with 25 bags of grains. The next of kin of the 209 deceased victims were also promised N1 million each.

However, several victims reported irregularities in the compensation distribution process. Farida Abubakar, who lost her mother in the flood, stated, “I was told I don’t have a husband, so I was not qualified to benefit.” She highlighted her struggle to care for her younger siblings while living in a primary school.

Yusuf Isah, a 74-year-old victim, shared a similar frustration. “The landlord collected N1 million for the household but refused to share the money with me,” he lamented. After losing everything in the flood, he now lives in a makeshift hut with his wife and eight children.

Hussaina Zakari recounted her experience of losing all her belongings while attending her father’s burial. “I never benefited from any cash assistance; I have been living in an IDP camp with my three children,” she said, praising the support from NGOs that have provided food and essentials.

In contrast, Farida Isiaku, who lost six children and her husband during the disaster, detailed her experience of receiving N12 million in compensation. “I used part of the money to rent a house and shared the rest among my family,” she explained, noting her reliance on the community for support following her loss.

Community leaders have also spoken out about the discrepancies in the compensation process. Alhaji Tanko Bala, Sarkin Hausawa in Mokwa, emphasized, “Some households that were supposed to benefit from N1 million got N1.5 million instead,” highlighting the confusion surrounding the distribution.

Dauda Liman, Chairman of the Mokwa Flood Relief Distribution Committee, mentioned that some victims missed out on compensation due to trauma or relocating to other communities after the flood. He called for the state government to expedite the distribution of remaining relief materials.

Addressing the concerns, Alhaji Salihu Garba, Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), acknowledged the challenges faced in capturing all victims during the relief efforts. “We are aware that some victims were not captured, and that’s why we opened a complaint desk,” he stated, assuring that efforts would continue to address the issues raised by the community.

As the situation evolves, victims continue to seek justice and support, emphasizing their urgent need for the promised assistance.