Some of the victims of the flood in Mokwa, Niger State, earlier this year, have accused the government of excluding them from the N1 billion relief package approved to support those affected by the recent devastating floods.
The allegations came during interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.
Governor Umaru Bago had authorized N1 billion in June for compensation, promising N1 million and 25 bags of grains to 458 affected households.
Families of 209 deceased victims were to receive N1 million each, while 280 house and shop owners were allocated N500,000 each for reconstruction.
Despite the relief distribution, several victims claimed irregularities and exclusion.
Farida Abubakar said she lost her mother, the family breadwinner, but was denied compensation because the relief committee said she had no husband.
She and her siblings are now living in a primary school due to lack of shelter.
Another victim, Yusuf Isah, said his landlord collected the cash compensation intended for his household and only gave him a fraction of the grain relief.
Hussaina Zakari, who lost all her belongings while away for her father’s burial, stated she received only grains and no cash assistance and is now living in an IDP camp.
Conversely, Farida Isiaku, who lost several family members, confirmed receiving N12 million, which she partly used to rent a house and partly shared with relatives.
Local leaders acknowledged some errors in the distribution process. Sarkin Hausawa, Alhaji Tanko Bala, revealed that some households received more than the stipulated amounts, while others were left out.
The Chairman of the Mokwa Flood Relief Distribution Committee, Dauda Liman, said some victims missed initial compensation because they had temporarily relocated due to trauma.
Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) Director, Alhaji Salihu Garba, explained that relief distribution was based on data from community organizations and acknowledged the challenges of identifying all victims amid the disaster’s scale.
He said a complaint desk was opened to address issues and that more relief materials are awaited for distribution.
Relief efforts involved multiple organizations, including local government, humanitarian ministries, community groups, and religious bodies.
NAN
