Niger Govt distributes compensation to Mokwa flood victims

Niger government has commenced the distribution of compensation to victims of the recent flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government of the state.

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger said, at distribution of the compensation in Mokwa on Tuesday, that the effort was to provide urgent relief to those affected by the flood.

Bago, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Yakubu Garba, said the distribution was the first step in the rebuilding and recovery efforts.

“We are more than resolute to pick up our pieces and restore hopes and revive the economic and social lives of our people,” he said.

Bago disclosed that the state government had also approved N1 million to each of the 458 affected households.

He said, in addition, each of the 458 households would be given 10 bags of rice, five bags of maize, five bags of sorghum and five bags of millet.

He said the state government had also directed the payment of N1 million to each of the next of kin of the 208 corpses recovered and buried.

Bago added that 280 house owners and 31 shop owners affected would receive N500 each.

He disclosed that the state government had also provided relief packages of bags of rice, millet, guinea corn and maize to support the affected communities.

He reiterated that the state government had earlier approved N7 billion for the reconstruction of roads and bridges.

One of the victims, Amina Mohamed, said she lost four loved ones to the flood disaster.

“I lost my co-wife Huwasi and her grandchildren Abubakar, Murija and Umairah.

“We are grateful to the state government for providing support during this difficult time,” she said.

Our correspondent reports that the Mokwa flood, which occurred on May 28, after a heavy rainfall, killed over 200 persons and destroyed property worth billions of naira.