President Tinubu orders release of N2 Billion for settlement of Mokwa floods victims
By: TUNDE BOLAJI – MINNA.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate release of N2 billion for the settlement homes for the victims of the flood disaster in Mokwa local government area.
The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shetima disclosed this when he visited Mokwa to sympathise with the people and acquire a first-hand knowledge of the flood disaster.
He said the President further directed the quick intervention on drainage system, and delivery of 20 trucks of food items by relevant Ministries to the victims of the flood disaster.
The Vice President said, as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, he will authorize the Managing Director of the Company to make arrangement for a 14MVA transformer for the people of Mokwa to ensure steady power supply to the town
He sympathies with the government and people of Niger State over the disaster,and commended its quick response efforts.
The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its continued support and concern since the disaster occurred.
The Governor appealed for the fixing of collapsed bridges, rail lines linking Northern and Southern parts of the country, which he said have obstructed socio-economic activities and prevented access to schools across communities.
He also requested that the Federal Government should consider fixing the bad portions of the Jaba-Mokwo-Bida road to reduce travel time.
The Special Adviser to the Niger state Governor on Special Duties, who also doubles as the leader of the Niger State Response Centre, Dr. Murtala Bagana, disclosed that 13,354 people were directly affected by the disaster with 4,534 individuals displaced, 458 households impacted, 161 lives lost, 186 injured.
He said, 84 individuals are missing, 265 buildings severely damaged, 2 major roads washed away while 5 key bridges collapsed.
Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of traditional rulers, Alh. Yahaya Abubakar commended President Tinubu for his prompt actions to supporting the victims of the flood disaster and urged the Federal government to expedite action on the payment of compensations, to enable contractor speed up the Ilorin-Tegina-Birnin Gwari road project.
The Ndalele of Mokwa, Mohammed Aliyu Shaba, in his remarks described the disaster as a test from Allah, adding that the people remain resolute and hopeful that Mokwa will regain its glory with the support of the government at all levels.
Symbolic presentation of relief items was made to selected affected families and the Vice President thereafter inspected the affected areas of the flood disaster.
