Shettima visits flood-hit Mokwa, announces N2bn, 20-truck grain package as FG relief

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the federal government will support residents of three communities in Mokwa LGA, Niger state, affected by the recent flood.

The flood, which occurred on the night of May 29, has killed over 200 people, affected 503 households and displaced 3,018 residents.

Speaking on Wednesday during a visit to the LGA, Shettima said President Bola Tinubu had directed immediate intervention to provide relief to the victims of the disaster.

He said the federal government has donated N2 billion and 20 trucks of grains to the communities.

Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, arrived in Mokwa at about 12:30 pm and was received by Yakubu Garba, deputy governor of Niger; Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and chairman of the Niger state traditional council; and members of the state executive council.

The vice-president said the flood was a tragedy that had touched every corner of the nation.

“Mokwa has always stood as a vital crossroads in Nigeria’s geography and commerce. It is an agricultural hub and a cultural stronghold that connects the north and the south,” he said.

“This makes your pain a shared national burden. While this disaster is devastating, it will not define you. We will rebuild. We will restore the vibrancy for which Mokwa is known.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sends his heartfelt condolences and stands in solidarity with you during this trying time.

“He has directed immediate action to assess the damage and provide the necessary support to aid your recovery.

“We came to you today not just as your political representatives and leaders but as fellow Nigerians deeply moved by the tragedy that has befallen your community.

“Our hearts ache for the lives lost, the homes destroyed, and the livelihoods disrupted.”

Shettima said the federal government is also focused on long-term solutions to the climate crisis.

“The federal government remains committed to addressing the ecological challenges that have contributed to this crisis,” he said.

“In times like these, we are reminded that a tragedy in one part of our nation is a sorrow shared by all. The preservation of life, whether threatened by natural calamities or human actions, is a responsibility we all share.

“The greatest honour we can give to those we have lost in this regrettable tragedy is our commitment to a future where such disasters are reduced through proactive measures and sustainable practices.”

Umar Bago, the governor of Niger state, represented by his deputy, thanked the federal government for standing with the state.

“Within 24 hours, NEMA was on the ground physically to ascertain what happened to us and to ensure that such a rescue mission was carried out practically. And we cannot thank them enough,” he said.

He described the visit by the vice-president as a reassurance of Tinubu’s commitment to the people.

The Etsu Nupe also thanked Tinubu for approving the immediate release of interventions to the affected areas.

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 from Niger state.

Earlier, Bago cancelled all Eid-el-Kabir activities in the state to honour victims of the flood.