By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate release of ₦2 billion for the reconstruction of homes destroyed by the recent floods in Mokwa, Niger State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the presidential directive during his visit to the flood-ravaged town on Wednesday. In addition to the funds, Tinubu also ordered the release of 20 trucks of rice to support victims.
“The President’s heart is with the people of Mokwa,” Shettima said, assuring that measures are underway to address the devastation. “He has also directed immediate repair of the damaged bridges and rehabilitation of the drainage system in Mokwa town.”
The flooding on May 28 has left over 200 confirmed dead, with recovery operations still ongoing. The state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ahmad Suleiman, said on Tuesday that many victims remain missing.
“We have more than 200 casualties, but the search continues. Nobody can give a definitive figure yet,” Suleiman told Channels Television.
Suleiman added that emergency response efforts have been activated and trailers of rice have been sent to affected areas. Niger State Governor’s wife also donated ₦50 million during her visit to Mokwa.
Despite these efforts, displaced victims have raised complaints over inadequate aid. “We are 17 people in my household, but we were only given one loaf of bread and some tea,” said Mama Isah, one of the victims. “How can that be enough even for breakfast?”
Relief efforts are ongoing, but public outcry continues to mount over the conditions in makeshift shelters and delays in food distribution.
