Reps Call for Urgent Relief for Niger Rainstorm Victims

By Margaret Abah

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to provide immediate relief materials to victims of the recent rainstorm disaster in Mokwa community, Niger State.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved during Tuesday’s plenary by the member representing Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Federal Constituency, Joshua Gana.

Gana told lawmakers that Mokwa, a major commercial and transit hub, was hit by a severe rainstorm accompanied by strong winds, which led to the destruction of homes, loss of lives, and extensive damage to property.

According to him, the disaster resulted in collapsed residential buildings, displacement of families, and the destruction of personal belongings. He also noted that economic and academic activities at the Niger State University of Agriculture and Aquaculture, Mokwa, were disrupted, leaving students in difficult conditions.

He further explained that preliminary reports indicated loss of lives, injuries, and the displacement of hundreds of residents now in urgent need of humanitarian support.

Gana also raised concern over the damage to critical infrastructure, including roads, electricity poles, schools, and healthcare facilities, warning that the situation has worsened living conditions in affected communities.

Lawmakers expressed concern that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events may be linked to broader environmental and climate challenges requiring coordinated government intervention.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed the National Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, to carry out a full assessment of the affected areas and provide urgent relief materials such as food, temporary shelter, and medical supplies.

The House also mandated relevant committees on disaster preparedness and environment to work with appropriate agencies to ensure immediate intervention and long-term recovery measures.

In addition, lawmakers called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to include affected victims in ongoing intervention programmes.

They further urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, in collaboration with the state government, to assess and repair damaged infrastructure in the affected communities.