Mokwa Flood: Victims Decline Relocation To Relief Camps – NSEMA

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has reported that victims of the severe flooding in Mokwa communities have declined to move to the IDP camps set up for them.

Acting Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Hussaini, stated that flood victims in Mokwa have been left traumatized and disoriented.

Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, Hussaini described the flooding as “massive” and noted that the close-knit nature of the community—where many residents are related—has led victims to prefer staying with neighbors over relocating to IDP camps, due to concerns about overcrowding and discomfort.

“There has been confusion everywhere. People lost their lives, their properties, and their ways of livelihood. That is what we call a disaster. Over 3,000 people were affected. Many are disturbed psychologically. This has distorted their normal way of living.

“Those that are easily affected were having resistance of going to the relief camps because the community is like a single community. They are all related to each other. But we are gradually talking to them, and they are beginning to accept our position that they should be in the camps,” he explained.

Hussaini noted that humanitarian assistance is already being provided by various organizations, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and UNICEF. These agencies have been setting up tents in designated areas to shelter displaced victims.

“The relief assistance has continued to come from different angles. The Niger State Government has moved all its activities into Mokwa.

“We thank God that the governor, through his contacts, has been able to mobilize stakeholders. They are coming differently with relief interventions and suggestions,” he added.