Lawmakers call on government to supply aid to Niger residents affected by severe storm

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The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to provide relief materials to victims of the recent rainstorm in Mokwa, a community in Niger State.

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

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The lawmaker said Mokwa, a major commercial and transit hub, experienced a severe rainstorm accompanied by strong winds, leading to widespread destruction of homes, loss of lives and damage to property.

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Gana said,”The House is aware that the disaster led to the collapse of residential buildings, displacement of families, destruction of personal belongings, and disruption of economic and educational activities in the Niger State University of Agriculture and Aquaculture, Mokwa, leaving the students in a harsh environment.

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“We are aware that the preliminary reports indicate that lives were lost, many persons sustained injuries, and hundreds of residents have been rendered homeless and are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Critical infrastructure, including roads, electricity poles, schools, and healthcare facilities, was not spared, thereby compounding the hardship faced by the affected communities.

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“We are concerned that the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events may be linked to broader environmental and climate-related challenges requiring proactive and coordinated government response.”

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He noted that victims were exposed to harsh living conditions without adequate shelter, food, medical care and sanitation, stressing that the capacity of local and state emergency agencies had been overstretched.

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Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, to conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide urgent relief materials, including food, temporary shelter and medical supplies.

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Lawmakers also mandated relevant committees on emergency and disaster preparedness and the environment to liaise with appropriate agencies to ensure prompt intervention and long-term rehabilitation.

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The House further called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to include affected victims in its intervention programmes.

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It also charged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, in collaboration with the Niger State Government, to assess and rehabilitate damaged infrastructure in the affected areas.

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