Residents of Gidan Hausawa in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State have appealed to the Federal and State governments to urgently intervene in their plight, saying many victims of last year’s devastating flood remain homeless and vulnerable as another rainy season begins.
The residents made the appeal during a peaceful rally organised to commemorate the first anniversary of the disaster that claimed several lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira.
The flood, which occurred on May 29, 2025, left hundreds displaced and caused extensive damage to homes, roads and critical infrastructure across the community.
During the rally, attended by men, women, youths and children, participants carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Displaced families need urgent housing support,” “Mokwa flood victims still homeless one year after,” “We want houses,” and “We need food and financial support.”
The protesters also chanted slogans in their local dialect, calling on authorities to protect them from future flooding, provide justice for victims and fulfil promises made to affected families.
Speaking during the rally, one of the organisers, Abubakar Isah-Mokwa, popularly known as “Senator” and a student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, explained that the gathering was not intended to cause unrest but to remember those who lost their lives and draw attention to the suffering of survivors.
“We are here today to remember the victims of the tragic flood that occurred exactly one year ago and to assess the current situation of those directly affected,” he said.
According to him, the group has presented five key demands to the government, commending both the Federal and State governments for their initial response to the disaster, but alleged that support dwindled shortly afterwards, leaving many victims stranded.
“Our first demand is accountability regarding the emergency fund opened by the state government after the flood. Millions of naira were donated into that account, but we have not seen projects that reflect how the funds were utilised,” he said.
Isah-Mokwa also questioned the status of the government’s promised housing project for flood victims.
“Government officials visited the proposed site, and necessary preliminary activities were carried out, but up till now not a single block has been laid,” he alleged.
He further called for transparency in the implementation of the N16.7 billion reportedly approved by the Federal Government for the reconstruction of bridges and other infrastructure destroyed by the flood.
“We were informed that several bridges would be reconstructed in affected locations, including Rabah, the Ilorin-Mokwa Road corridor, the College of Agriculture axis and Daiko. What we currently see is only a culvert, not the bridges that were promised,” he said.
The protesters also demanded clarification on the distribution of financial assistance reportedly approved for displaced families.
“Some victims received funds for accommodation, but the majority did not. Even those who benefited have exhausted the one-year rent support and are now stranded again,” he added.
Another concern raised by the group was the blockage of a railway drainage channel by contractors, which they fear could worsen flooding during the current rainy season.
“Water is already accumulating in that area. The drainage system is inadequate for the volume of water we experienced last year. We want the channel expanded and opened immediately to prevent another disaster,” he said.
Isah-Mokwa warned that many affected families are battling hunger, unemployment and insecurity, while several children have dropped out of school due to their parents’ financial difficulties.
“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving intervention funds, but implementation remains a major concern. We urge the authorities to act before another tragedy occurs,” he said.
He also called on non-governmental organisations and humanitarian agencies that assisted victims in the aftermath of the disaster to extend further support to the community.
One of the residents, Sunday Eunice, who spoke in Yoruba, said many flood victims were still struggling to rebuild their lives.
“When the disaster happened, government officials visited and promised assistance, including housing. While some support was provided, many of those promises have not been fulfilled,” she said.
“Most of us are still struggling to find decent accommodation. The waterways that overflowed last year are already filling up again, and we are afraid another flood could occur. We cannot sleep peacefully because of the fear.”
She appealed to the government and well-meaning individuals to assist affected families before the peak of the rainy season.
Another victim, Hamza Mohammad, said he has been squatting with a friend since he lost his home and belongings in the flood.
“Life has been very difficult. The government gave us food shortly after the disaster, but support has not been consistent. Government and NGOs helped with rice, maize, bedsheets and other relief materials, but we still face serious challenges,” he said.
Mohammad, a plumber, said the flood swept away all his work tools, forcing him to borrow equipment whenever he gets jobs.
“There is a serious shelter problem. We have no houses, limited food and very little support. The government promised to build homes for us, but we have not seen any sign of construction,” he added.
Also speaking, Usman Adamu said many victims had exhausted the rent support earlier provided by the government and were once again facing uncertainty.
“Aside from support from NNPC and a few NGOs, assistance has reduced significantly. Some people are now living under makeshift shelters,” he said.
He expressed concern over the delay in the proposed housing project and called on authorities to expedite relief and reconstruction efforts.
“We are already in another rainy season. Many families cannot even afford food. Government should fulfil its promises and help us rebuild our lives,” he said.
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