Shettima Visits Flood-Stricken Mokwa, Unveils N2 Billion, 20-Truck Grain Iitiatives
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has announced that the federal government will extend its support to the inhabitants of three communities in Mokwa LGA, Niger State, who have been severely impacted by the recent flooding.
The deluge, which struck on the night of May 29, has claimed the lives of over 200 individuals, affected 503 households, and displaced 3,018 residents.
During his visit to the LGA on Wednesday, Shettima stated that President Bola Tinubu mandated an immediate intervention to alleviate the suffering of the disaster victims.
The federal administration has pledged N2 billion and 20 truckloads of grains to aid these communities.
Shettima, acting on behalf of President Tinubu, arrived in Mokwa at approximately 12:30 pm and was welcomed by Yakubu Garba, Deputy Governor of Niger; Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Council; alongside members of the state executive council.
The vice-president remarked that the flood represented a calamity that had reverberated throughout the nation.
“Mokwa has historically served as a pivotal juncture in Nigeria’s geography and commerce. It is an agricultural epicenter and a cultural bastion that unites the north and the south.
“This renders your suffering a collective national burden. Although this catastrophe is harrowing, it will not define you. We will rebuild. We will restore the vitality for which Mokwa is renowned.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, extends his deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with you during this challenging period.
“He has ordered swift action to evaluate the damage and provide the requisite support to facilitate your recovery.
“We come to you today not merely as your political representatives and leaders but as fellow Nigerians profoundly moved by the tragedy that has befallen your community.
“Our hearts grieve for the lives lost, the homes demolished, and the livelihoods disrupted,” he stated.
Shettima also emphasized the federal government’s commitment to long-term solutions to the climate crisis.
“The federal government remains resolute in addressing the ecological challenges that have precipitated this crisis.
“In moments like these, we are reminded that a tragedy in one part of our nation is a sorrow shared by all. The safeguarding of life, whether endangered by natural catastrophes or human actions, is a duty we all bear.
“The highest tribute we can render to those lost in this regrettable tragedy is our dedication to a future where such disasters are mitigated through proactive measures and sustainable practices,” he affirmed.
Umar Bago, the Governor of Niger State, represented by his deputy, expressed gratitude to the federal government for its support.
“Within 24 hours, NEMA was on the ground, physically assessing the situation and ensuring that a rescue mission was executed effectively. We cannot thank them enough,” he declared.
He characterized the vice-president’s visit as a reaffirmation of Tinubu’s commitment to the populace.
The Etsu Nupe also expressed appreciation to Tinubu for sanctioning the prompt release of interventions to the affected regions.
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 hailing from Niger State.
Earlier, Bago canceled all Eid-el-Kabir festivities in the state to honor the flood victims.
