Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the federal government
will support residents of three communities in Mokwa LGA, Niger state, affected
by the recent flood.
The flood, which occurred on the night of May 29, has killed
over 200 people, affected 503 households and displaced 3,018 residents.
Speaking on Wednesday during a visit to the LGA, Shettima
said President Bola Tinubu had directed immediate intervention to provide
relief to the victims of the disaster.
He said the federal government has donated N2 billion and 20
trucks of grains to the communities.
Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, arrived in Mokwa
at about 12:30 pm and was received by Yakubu Garba, deputy governor of Niger;
Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and chairman of the Niger state traditional
council; and members of the state executive council.
The vice-president said the flood was a tragedy that had
touched every corner of the nation.
“Mokwa has always stood as a vital crossroads in Nigeria’s
geography and commerce. It is an agricultural hub and a cultural stronghold
that connects the north and the south,” he said.
“This makes your pain a shared national burden. While this
disaster is devastating, it will not define you. We will rebuild. We will
restore the vibrancy for which Mokwa is known.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sends his
heartfelt condolences and stands in solidarity with you during this trying
time.
“He has directed immediate action to assess the damage and
provide the necessary support to aid your recovery.
“We came to you today not just as your political
representatives and leaders but as fellow Nigerians deeply moved by the tragedy
that has befallen your community.
“Our hearts ache for the lives lost, the homes destroyed,
and the livelihoods disrupted.”
Shettima said the federal government is also focused on
long-term solutions to the climate crisis.
“The federal government remains committed to addressing the
ecological challenges that have contributed to this crisis,” he said.
“In times like these, we are reminded that a tragedy in one
part of our nation is a sorrow shared by all. The preservation of life, whether
threatened by natural calamities or human actions, is a responsibility we all
share.
“The greatest honour we can give to those we have lost in
this regrettable tragedy is our commitment to a future where such disasters are
reduced through proactive measures and sustainable practices.”
Umar Bago, the governor of Niger state, represented by his
deputy, thanked the federal government for standing with the state.
“Within 24 hours, NEMA was on the ground physically to
ascertain what happened to us and to ensure that such a rescue mission was
carried out practically. And we cannot thank them enough,” he said.
He described the visit by the vice-president as a
reassurance of Tinubu’s commitment to the people.
The Etsu Nupe also thanked Tinubu for approving the immediate
release of interventions to the affected areas.
The federal government delegation included Mohammed Idris,
minister of information and national orientation, and Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi,
minister of state for agriculture and food security — both from Niger state.
Earlier, Bago cancelled all Eid-el-Kabir activities in the
state to honour victims of the flood.
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