Mokwa Flood Victims Still Homeless Months After Disaster, Begs Gov Bago for Permanent Resettlement

• Months after the flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State, victims remain homeless as they share conditions living in tents provided by the Nigerian Red Cross Society
• A resident revealed how the flood victims' mental health is being threatened as they live in uncertainty in makeshift shelters
• Victims are appealing to the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, to grant them permanent shelter to help them get a fresh start

Mokwa, Niger State - Several months have passed since the unfortunate flood disaster displaced hundreds of residents in Mokwa, Niger State.

Findings by Legit.ng show that victims are currently homeless and living in fear in tents provided by the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

While Governor Umar Mohammed Bago’s administration has reportedly paid temporary rent fees for many, many displaced people remain in makeshift shelters, constantly anxious that strong winds or rain could blow their refuge away.

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One of the residents of the state privy to the situation, Sani Mohammad, said that the victims’ mental health is deteriorating as they continue to live in uncertainty.

He said, “The victims of the Mokwa flood are unable to sleep peacefully in the tents at the camp. We all know this distressing situation arose from a natural disaster beyond their control. As a result, the tents provide no comfort compared to the homes they lost during the flood.”

“Yes, the Red Cross pitched tents, but people here cannot truly sleep at night because we are currently in the rainy season, and anytime there is rain, there is no peace for them.

"They always worry that the next heavy rainfall could destroy the only shelter they have. The trauma of losing loved ones, property, and homes is still fresh,” Sani added.

Legit.ng gathered that the state government has long allocated the land for a permanent residential settlement for the flood victims, but the construction of sizable houses to give the displaced people a fresh start is being held back, awaiting the governor’s directive and political will.

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According to residents, the rainy season has worsened the crisis. Water seeps into the tents at night, soaking bedding and leaving children shivering.

Hajara, a mother of four who lost her house in the floods, narrated how unbearable the situation has become.

“When rain falls heavily, it feels like we are in another flood. Water comes into the tent, and everything gets wet. My children have developed coughs, and we have no proper place to dry our clothes,” she lamented.

Another displaced farmer, who requested anonymity, said that the temporary shelters are no match for the harsh weather.

“The wind is our biggest enemy now. Sometimes in the middle of the night, it shakes the tent, and we have to hold it down with stones. We are scared every time we hear thunder,” the farmer said.

The farmer added that the lack of proper shelter is making it impossible for victims to return to normal life.

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“We can’t start small businesses or farming again because we are still living in emergency conditions. We need a permanent place with a market and a school so our children can go back to learning,” the farmer urged.

Another displaced resident, who simply identified as Farouk, stressed that his appeal was not meant as criticism but as a reminder for the governor to fulfil earlier promises.

“You are wiser than most of us, and we trust you already had a master plan before you contested for office. But sometimes, leaders need to be reminded so we can all stay on track. This is about building the new Niger we all envisioned,” he said.

Remi Tinubu donates N1b to support Mokwa flood victims

Legit.ng previously reported that the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has stepped in with N1 billion intervention for victims of flooding in Mokwa, Niger state.

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The First Lady donated on behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative while in Minna for a condolence visit to the Niger state government and families impacted by the flooding, as reported by the National Television Authority.

Source: Legit.ng