The Traffic

Tinubu Approves N2 Billion for Resettling Flood Victims in Niger State

By Achimi Muktar

In a swift move to ease the pain of thousands rendered homeless by devastating floods in Mokwa, Niger State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate release of a staggering N2 billion to rebuild the shattered lives of the victims.

This revelation came on Wednesday when Vice President Kashim Shettima personally stormed Mokwa town to deliver the president’s message of sympathy — and action. “The President specifically instructed me to come to Mokwa to commiserate with the people,” Shettima said solemnly, standing amidst the wreckage. “His heart is with the grieving people of Mokwa.”

But Tinubu’s gesture didn’t stop at words or promises. The Vice President announced a coordinated federal response, involving top cabinet members and emergency agencies, to tackle both the immediate and long-term consequences of the disaster.

To bring immediate relief, 20 trucks of food items are being dispatched — a crucial lifeline for residents left stranded, hungry, and homeless. These will be distributed directly to victims in partnership with local authorities, including the Village Head of Mokwa.

In a rare show of urgency, President Tinubu also ordered the Ministers of Environment and State for Agriculture to relocate to Niger State, placing them under the African Climate Resilient Infrastructure and Livelihoods (ACRSAL) project to immediately address the town’s dire drainage problems — a root cause of the flooding.

The scope of the disaster is staggering. According to Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, over 2,000 homes have been destroyed. Even worse, four major bridges have collapsed, choking off movement, disrupting trade, and forcing students in areas like Rabba to stay home whenever it rains.

“We need a quick and massive intervention,” Garba pleaded. “We have land available to start rebuilding. These victims need more than promises — they need homes.”

Prominent voices in the region have also stepped in. Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, urged the federal government to fast-track several stalled road projects across Mokwa and beyond.

“There’s a critical road bypass project that’s been abandoned due to compensation issues,” the monarch said. “It’s making life unbearable. People can’t wait any longer.”

From the Mokwa-Brini-Gwari-Kaduna road to the Bida-Patigi and Agaie-Match Boro roads, the list of urgent projects is growing — and so is the people’s demand for accountability and speed.

Despite the chaos, officials and locals alike praised the swift efforts of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Shettima commended the agency and its DG for their quick response, while residents acknowledged the visible presence and concern of both federal and state officials.

For the people of Mokwa, the road to recovery is long, but the N2 billion package and federal presence have rekindled hope.

“This disaster has shown us who truly cares,” said Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, the Village Head of Mokwa. “We’re grateful for the support, but we ask for one thing: don’t forget us when the cameras leave.”

As floodwaters recede, a larger question remains: will this tragedy finally force a long-term solution for the communities along Nigeria’s vulnerable river belts — or will this be just another band-aid over a recurring crisis?