A Federal Government delegation has paid a sympathy visit to the government and people of Niger State over the devastating flood that killed over 150 lives, destroyed houses and livelihoods.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi led the delegation to the Government House Minna.
Receiving the delegation, farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sending the delegation to sympathise with the State, especially the people of Mokwa over the flood disaster.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the farmer Governor said the incident has put the State in a shocking and devastating situation.
He said efforts are being intensified to ensure the construction of the stem water drainage in Mokwa and Mashegu council areas commences soon, saying it would go a long way in averting recurrence, and that so far the State government has provided 6000 bags of rice to the victims.
The Governor appreciated the swift response of all relevant agencies that contributed to the search and rescue operations and called on the Federal Government to provide a temporary camp for the victims, as where they are occupying now is not habitable.
He further enjoined humanitarian interventions from Cooperative organisations and individuals to provide succour for the victims but advised that all financial assistance should be sent to a government approved account thus; Account Name: Niger State Emergency Distress, Account Number: 2046096920, Bank Name: First Bank of Nigeria.
Leader of the Federal Government’s delegation and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi extended the condolences of the President and all Members of the Federal Executive Council over the disaster he described as “one to many”.
He said the President has directed that all available resources of the Federal Government be deployed to address the situation and that efforts are being made to advert or mitigate the recurring flood disasters in the country while directing the National Orientation Agency to carry out sensitisation campaigns to ensure that people avoid living around river banks.
The Minister then commended the Niger State Government, and other relevant agencies that are assisting in the search operations, saying the Federal Government is collaborating to ensure a seamless operation.
Also, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda who was part of the delegation, expressed sadness over the incident assuring that the Ministry will ensure that the international communities collaborate to support and provide succour to the affected people and that situation will be reviewed with the view to knowing and addressing areas of critical needs.
According to statistic made available to journalists, 151 corpses have been identified and buried so far, seven people injured and are receiving treatment, 503 household affected, 265 houses destroyed, 2 major roads washed away, 3 bridges collapsed all within 3 communities in Mokwa local government area.
