Niger storm victims recount ordeal as FG distributes relief materials
Victims of a rainstorm in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State became emotional while recounting their ordeal during the presentation of relief materials to them by the Federal Government.
Recall that in June, 2020, property worth N135.5m belonging to over 780 people were destroyed and two people died during a heavy downpour in Mokwa.
The rainstorm, according to the victims, destroyed over 220 buildings, including a police station, the DSS office, the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), as well as the Government Science College (GSC) in the area.
Speaking during the presentation of the items by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Minna Operations Office, one of the victims, Mrs. Esther Ziri, said it was like her world had ended after the incident, but that she had now regained confidence with the Federal Government intervention.
Mrs. Ziri said, “It hasn’t been easy for us. Imagine someone who already had a home losing such and have to be at the mercy of family and friends who have been accommodating us. However, with this now, we can start our lives again.”
Another victim,
Mr.
Babatwale Mokwa, recalled how the disaster blew off their rooftops, collapsed their houses completely and pulled down fences.
Mr. Mokwa said he had to find a means of putting his life together and ensure his family was safe.
He expressed satisfaction with the exercise, noting that it had practically shown the government’s commitment towards their plight.
Speaking earlier, the Head, Research and Rescue of NEMA, Mr. Hussain Isah, who represented the Head of the
Minna Operations Office, Mrs. Wagami Lydia, said they were in the community to share relief items from the Federal Government to the victims of the rainstorms in Mokwa and Lavun LGAs.
Mr. Isah said the materials included, “617 bags of rice, 617 bags of beans, 617 bags of maize, 62 20-litre kegs of vegetable oil, 102 cartons of seasoning, 52 cartons of tin tomato, 1,324 mattresses, 1,851 blankets and 1,851 mosquito nets.
He said other materials were, “1,400 bags of cement, 1,400 bundles of roofing sheets, 940 pieces of ceiling board, 472 packets of zinc nail and 157 bags of 3-inch nails.”
He craved the indulgence of the residents of both LGAs, especially those residing in lowlands and along river banks, to relocate to higher lands and avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse in culverts and drains.
The Chairman of Mokwa LGA, Mr. Abubakar Yahaya Sheti, commended the Federal Government for the practical show of concern to the plight of the people.