President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate release of N2 billion to rebuild homes destroyed by the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State.
This announcement was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a condolence visit to the affected area on Wednesday.
According to the Vice President, the President has also instructed relevant ministries to swiftly intervene in the drainage system and deliver 20 trucks of food items to the flood victims. Furthermore, as Chairman of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Vice President Shettima pledged to authorize the installation of a 14MVA transformer to ensure a steady power supply in Mokwa.
The Vice President commended the Niger State government’s prompt response to the disaster and expressed sympathy with the affected communities. The Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, who represented Governor Umaru Bago, appreciated the Federal Government’s continued support and concern.
The government has been urged to fix collapsed bridges and rail lines linking the northern and southern parts of the country, which have disrupted socio-economic activities and hindered access to schools. Additionally, the Deputy Governor requested the Federal Government’s assistance in repairing the Jaba-Mokwo-Bida road.
According to Dr. Murtala Bagana, Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Special Duties, the disaster has affected 13,354 people, with 4,534 displaced, 458 households impacted, 161 lives lost, and 186 injured. Furthermore, 84 individuals are still missing, 265 buildings severely damaged, 2 major roads washed away, and 5 key bridges collapsed.
The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, praised President Tinubu’s prompt response and urged the Federal Government to expedite the payment of compensations for the Ilorin-Tegina-Birnin Gwari road project.
On his part, the Ndalele of Mokwa, Mohammed Aliyu Shaba, described the disaster as a test from Allah, expressing the people’s resolve and hope that Mokwa will regain its glory with government support.
