The recent flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria, has left a trail of devastation, claiming the lives of 153 people and causing millions of naira worth of property damage. Triggered by torrential downpours on May 29th, the floodwaters surged through the community, leaving homes submerged, livelihoods destroyed, and families grappling with immense loss. In response to this tragedy, Hajiya Fatima Bago, the wife of the Niger State Governor, embarked on a visit to the affected area to offer solace, assess the extent of the damage, and provide much-needed support to the victims.
Hajiya Fatima Bago’s visit was marked by a significant gesture of compassion and solidarity. She announced a personal donation of N50 million on behalf of herself and her family to aid the flood victims in rebuilding their lives and mitigating the devastating impact of the disaster. Acknowledging the irreversible nature of the event, she expressed her heartfelt condolences to the affected families and communities, emphasizing the need for caution and responsible urban planning to prevent future occurrences. She specifically advised against building on waterways, highlighting the critical role of sustainable development practices in disaster risk reduction.
Beyond the financial contribution, the visit served as a platform to coordinate relief efforts and assess the ongoing humanitarian response. Hajiya Bago confirmed that local authorities, including the village head and the council chairman, have been actively involved in distributing aid to the victims. She also highlighted the ongoing search and rescue operations, utilizing excavators to recover bodies still trapped beneath the debris and floodwaters. The concerted efforts of government officials, community leaders, and rescue teams underscore the collective commitment to supporting the affected population during this challenging period.
Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, accompanied Hajiya Bago on the visit and offered words of comfort to the grieving community. He appealed to the victims to accept the tragedy as an act of God, urging them to find strength and resilience in their faith. While acknowledging the immense suffering caused by the flood, his message underscored the importance of community solidarity and spiritual fortitude in navigating the aftermath of such a devastating event.
Further expressions of support and sympathy poured in from other prominent figures. Mrs. Afiniki Dauda, Deputy Speaker of the Niger House of Assembly, and Hajiya Mairo Mann, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, extended their condolences to the victims and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing necessary assistance. These expressions of solidarity from high-ranking officials reflect the widespread recognition of the severity of the disaster and the collective responsibility to support the affected communities.
Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, the Village Head of Mokwa, known as ‘Ndalila of Mokwa’, expressed his gratitude for Hajiya Bago’s visit and the substantial donation. While appreciating the immediate relief efforts, he also appealed to the state government to consider providing compensation to the affected community members. This request highlights the long-term economic challenges faced by the victims, who have lost not only their homes and possessions but also their livelihoods. The call for compensation underscores the need for sustainable recovery initiatives that address the long-term socio-economic impact of the disaster. The flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters and the critical importance of proactive disaster management strategies. The combined efforts of government officials, community leaders, and individuals like Hajiya Fatima Bago demonstrate the power of collective action in responding to crises and supporting those in need. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but the outpouring of support and the commitment to rebuilding offer a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
