Mokwa, Niger State – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the release of ₦2 billion for the immediate reconstruction of homes destroyed by a recent devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited the flood-ravaged community on behalf of the President. Shettima conveyed Tinubu’s condolences and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to swift recovery and support for affected residents.
“The President specifically instructed me to come to Mokwa to commiserate with the people… His heart is with the grieving people of Mokwa,” Shettima said.
The Vice President also announced additional directives from the President, including:
- Deployment of 20 trucks of food items, to be distributed directly to verified victims with help from local leadership.
- Relocation of the Minister of Environment and Minister of State for Agriculture to Niger State to begin immediate intervention under the ACRSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes) project to resolve the town’s drainage issues.
Call for Urgent Repairs and Infrastructure
Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba called on the Federal Government to intervene urgently, particularly in repairing four collapsed bridges that have cut off communities and hindered access to schools and markets.
Traditional leaders echoed the need for broader infrastructure upgrades:
- Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar appealed for the completion of critical road projects, including Mokwa-Birnin Gwari, Lambata-Bida, and Bida-Patigi roads.
- Village Head of Mokwa, Mohammed Aliyu, expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s prompt support, citing it as a beacon of hope during hardship.
Over 2,000 Homes Destroyed
The flood, which left thousands homeless and disrupted livelihoods, destroyed around 2,000 houses in the area, prompting widespread calls for urgent relief and long-term preventive infrastructure. Vice President Shettima praised the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and local officials for their proactive response and assured victims that the Federal Government is fully committed to their rehabilitation and recovery.
