In a swift response to the devastating floods that hit Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday announced the Federal Government’s approval of a N2 billion relief fund to rebuild destroyed homes and restore essential infrastructure.
Shettima visited the flood-ravaged communities to commiserate with the people and reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to their recovery. The catastrophic floods, which began the previous week, claimed over 160 lives and left more than 100 houses in ruins.
Conveying President Bola Tinubu’s heartfelt condolences, Shettima stated, “The President is heartbroken by the tragedy that befell Mokwa. He has directed swift action to ease the suffering of the people and to help rebuild what has been lost.”
He announced that President Tinubu had approved the immediate release of N2 billion to support the rebuilding of residential homes destroyed by the floods.
In a move to ensure efficiency and transparency in the recovery process, Shettima directed the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, a native of Niger State, to temporarily relocate to Mokwa to coordinate the reconstruction of key infrastructure including collapsed bridges and distribution of relief materials.
“Shettima emphasized, ‘The minister will oversee food supply, relief distribution, and infrastructure rehabilitation efforts on ground to make sure no affected family is left behind.’”
During his visit, Shettima also offered prayers for the souls of the departed and encouraged the residents to remain strong, trusting in God through these difficult times.
Niger State’s Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, described the flood as a national disaster, citing the strategic importance of Mokwa as a central link connecting multiple parts of Nigeria. He highlighted the collapse of four key bridges and stressed that the scale of reconstruction was beyond the capacity of the state government alone.
Garba also called for targeted support for women, who he said bore the brunt of the disaster, particularly in rebuilding small businesses and livelihoods.
Local emergency responders, including the State Emergency Management Agency, were commended for their dedication in evacuating residents and distributing immediate aid.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, also offered prayers for divine consolation and thanked the Federal Government for its timely intervention. He called for expedited work on the Mokwa bypass expressway and comprehensive restoration of damaged infrastructure to revive economic and social activities in the region.
As affected families begin to rebuild their lives, Hobnob News will continue to follow the recovery efforts and report on the ongoing support being provided by the government and other stakeholders.
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