By Deborah Nnamdi
President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N2 billion for the reconstruction of homes destroyed by the recent flood in Mokwa, Niger State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the approval on Wednesday during a visit to victims in Mokwa town, located in Mokwa Local Government Area. He conveyed the President’s condolences and pledged swift federal intervention.
“The President specifically directed me to visit Mokwa and express his sympathy to the affected residents. His thoughts are with the people during this difficult time,” Shettima said. “All issues raised by the victims will be addressed by the federal government in partnership with the Niger State government.”
Shettima also revealed that President Tinubu had instructed the Ministers of Environment and Agriculture (State) to temporarily relocate to Niger State to lead a rapid response under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, focusing on drainage issues in the town.
In addition, 20 trucks of food supplies have been approved for distribution to verified victims, in collaboration with the Village Head of Mokwa.
The Vice President commended Niger State’s Deputy Governor and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their swift and proactive response.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba urged the federal government to expedite its intervention, citing the collapse of four key bridges that have severely disrupted transportation and economic activity, especially in Rabba.
“Over 2,000 homes were destroyed, and many victims are now living with relatives. We also have land available for resettlement if support can be provided for rebuilding,” he said.
Also speaking, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, appealed for federal intervention in road infrastructure across the state. He cited stalled projects in Mokwa due to compensation issues and called for the completion of critical roads, including the Mokwa-Birnin Gwari-Kaduna, Lambata-Bida, Bida-Patigi, and Agaie-Match Boro routes.
He further requested the deployment of ecological experts to tackle environmental concerns in the town and thanked President Tinubu for sending the Vice President to personally console the community.
The Village Head of Mokwa, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu (Ndalile of Mokwa), also expressed gratitude to the federal government for its continued support since the disaster struck.
