The Niger State Government has expressed appreciation to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for its prompt and sustained intervention in response to the recent flood disaster that devastated Mokwa Local Government Area.
Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba gave the commendation on Thursday during an assessment visit to some of the resettlement centres built by UNICEF for displaced persons in the flood-ravaged area.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, Garba lauded UNICEF for its proactive response from the onset of the disaster, noting that its continued presence on the ground has provided a vital sense of hope and relief to affected communities.
“On behalf of Governor Umaru Bago, I want to commend UNICEF and other organisations for your interventions and support to our people.
“We appreciate your prompt response from the onset of the incident and your continued presence on the ground. Your efforts are truly commendable. We urge UNICEF to be understanding as many of those affected are still traumatised and in need of psychological care,” Garba said.
Responding to the Deputy Governor’s commendation, Mrs. Theresa Pamma, a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist at UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the welfare of the displaced.
“We are here to support the people, and we will do the best that we can to ensure they are okay,” Pamma said.
She explained that UNICEF is focusing on ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to prevent potential disease outbreaks, particularly cholera, in the overcrowded camps.
Also, she noted that the agency is facilitating access to healthcare and working to ensure that vulnerable children are protected from abuse and exploitation.
The flooding incidents is one of the worst in the history in Niger State. The flooding, which struck Mokwa on May 28 after intense rainfall, submerged large swathes of land, swept away homes and farmlands, and led to the tragic death of more than 200 residents.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ahmed Baba Suleiman, recovery efforts are ongoing, with several bodies still being recovered.
The flood left hundreds homeless and forced many into makeshift camps, which prompted the state government to activate an emergency response and distribute relief materials, including food and essentials. The governor’s wife also visited the affected area and donated N50m to assist victims.
However, the state’s relief efforts have drawn criticism from displaced persons who complained of inadequate food and poor camp conditions.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, earlier clarified that the flood was not caused by releases from the Kainji and Jebba dams but was the result of extreme weather and blocked waterways—conditions linked to climate change and poor land-use practices.