The wife of the Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, paid a visit to the victims of a recent flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area and announced a donation of N50 million to support the affected families. The visit took place in the aftermath of the flood that struck the area following a heavy rainfall on May 29, claiming more than 150 lives and damaging numerous homes and properties.
Hajiya Fatima Bago made it clear that the donation was from her and her family, meant to ease the struggles of those who lost their homes and loved ones in the disaster. “We are here to console victims of the flood disaster and to assess the situation. The flooding has happened, and from what we saw, it is really not exciting to behold,” she said during her visit.
She explained that even though the disaster has already happened, residents must now be more careful and avoid constructing buildings on water channels to reduce future risks. “There is nothing we can do as the disaster has happened, we only advise the people to be cautious henceforth and avoid building on waterways,” she added.
The governor’s wife also mentioned that local leaders including the village head and the council chairman have started the process of distributing aid and donations to the victims. She also noted that rescue teams, with the help of an excavator, are still working to recover missing persons and support families who are grieving.
Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, was also present and urged the people to see the disaster as a test from God. Mrs Afiniki Dauda, Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, and Hajiya Mairo Mann, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, both shared their sympathy with those affected.
The traditional ruler of Mokwa, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, known as the Ndalila of Mokwa, thanked Hajiya Fatima Bago for showing concern. He urged the state government to provide additional support, including compensation for those who lost homes, farms, and other properties.
The flood, described as one of the deadliest the area has seen in recent years, left hundreds displaced and communities in mourning. Many survivors are currently taking shelter in temporary camps while aid continues to arrive.
