President Tinubu Directs Release of N2 Billion for Resettlement Homes for Victims of the Mokwa Flood as VP Pays Condolence Visit.
By Yahaya Zakka Minna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of N2 billion to establish resettlement homes for flood victims in the Mokwa local government area.
Vice President Sen. Kashim Shetima announced this during his visit to Mokwa, where he expressed condolences to the affected residents and assessed the impact of the flood disaster.
The Vice President also mentioned that President Tinubu has directed urgent improvements to the drainage system and the delivery of 20 trucks of food items to assist those affected by the flooding.
As Chairman of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, the Vice President indicated that he would instruct the Managing Director to arrange for a 14MVA transformer to ensure a steady power supply for the town of Mokwa.
He conveyed his sympathies to both the government and the people of Niger State and praised their quick response to the crisis.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its ongoing support and concern following the disaster.
The Governor also requested the repair of collapsed bridges and railway lines that link the northern and southern parts of the country, as these have hindered socio-economic activities and restricted access to schools in several communities.
He urged the Federal Government to consider fixing the deteriorated sections of the Jaba-Mokwo-Bida road to reduce travel time.
Dr. Murtala Bagana, the Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Special Duties and leader of the Niger State Response Centre, reported that 13,354 people were directly affected by the flooding, with 4,534 individuals displaced.
The disaster resulted in 458 impacted households, 161 lives lost, and 186 injuries. Additionally, 84 people are reported missing, 265 buildings were severely damaged, two major roads were washed away, and five key bridges collapsed.
Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alh. Yahaya Abubakar, commended President Tinubu for his prompt response to support the flood victims.
He urged the Federal Government to expedite compensation payments to enable contractors to speed up the Ilorin-Tegina-Birnin Gwari road project.
In his remarks, the Ndalele of Mokwa, Mohammed Aliyu Shaba, described the disaster as a test from Allah, expressing optimism that the people will remain resilient and that Mokwa will regain its former glory with the support of all levels of government.
During the visit, symbolic presentations of relief items were made to selected affected families, and the Vice President inspected the areas impacted by the flooding.
