The Sokoto State Government has acquired relief materials worth over ₦1.7 billion for distribution to flood victims, according to Bashir Muhammad, the Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). In a press briefing, Muhammad provided an update on the government’s efforts to offer immediate aid to those affected by recent flooding in 22 of the state’s 23 local governments, with Sokoto North being the only area unaffected.
The relief package includes essential food items like rice, maize, and garri, as well as non-food items such as wrappers, brocade, mattresses, cement, roofing sheets, ceiling boards, blankets, and various plastic wares. To aid riverine communities, the government also procured 20 motorized boats and 1,000 life jackets.
Muhammad highlighted the devastating impact of the floods, which have affected 68,000 households and destroyed 31,000 homes. Additionally, 37,880 farmlands were ruined, causing significant losses in farm produce. The disaster also led to 280 casualties, including fatalities.
In response, SEMA has established three Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Tambuwal, Shagari, Gada, and Tureta Local Government Areas. Camps were specifically set up in Romon-Sarki and Sanyinna (Tambuwal), Tsamiya and Lofa (Tureta), Illela town and Amarawa (Illela), and Darna Tsolawo (Gada).
Muhammad expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for prioritizing the Agency’s work and revealed that the State Executive Council has approved the immediate distribution of the relief materials to the victims. He assured that the distribution would be conducted efficiently to alleviate the suffering of those impacted.
