President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the release of N2 billion to support the construction of resettlement homes for residents displaced by the recent flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area of The Power State (Niger).
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known during a condolence visit to the affected communities, where he interacted with victims and assessed the level of devastation.
The Vice President conveyed the President’s directive for urgent intervention, including the deployment of 20 trucks loaded with food supplies and a rapid overhaul of the drainage system to prevent future occurrences.
In his capacity as Chairman of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Shettima also pledged the provision of a 14MVA transformer to boost electricity supply in Mokwa.
Addressing stakeholders during the visit, the Vice President expressed solidarity with the people and praised the state government’s prompt response in the aftermath of the disaster.
Representing Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba conveyed the state’s appreciation for the Federal Government’s timely assistance. He called for repair works on collapsed bridges and rail lines linking the North and South, noting that the disruptions have affected commerce and hindered access to schools in affected areas. He also urged the Federal Government to address deteriorating sections of the Jaba-Mokwa-Bida road to ease travel.
Dr. Murtala Bagana, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and coordinator of the state’s emergency response, disclosed that 13,354 individuals were impacted by the flooding. He added that 4,534 persons were displaced, 458 households were directly affected, and 161 lives were lost, adding that 186 individuals sustained injuries, 84 remain unaccounted for, 265 buildings were destroyed, and two major roads as well as five bridges were washed away.
The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, who also chairs the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, lauded President Tinubu’s swift response and called for prompt payment of compensations to accelerate work on the Ilorin-Tegina-Birnin Gwari road project.
The Ndalēlē of Mokwa, Mohammed Aliyu Shaba, described the disaster as a divine test, expressing hope that with continued support, Mokwa would recover and thrive once again.
The Vice President presented relief items to selected families during the visit and later toured parts of Mokwa ravaged by the floods.
