Days after devastating floods wreaked havoc across several communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, displaced residents in makeshift camps are expressing deep frustration over the handling of government relief efforts.
The floods, triggered by torrential rains last Thursday, left over 200 people dead, with many still missing, and destroyed properties worth millions of naira. In the aftermath, more than 1,000 people — including women and children — have been forced to seek refuge in temporary internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
On Monday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the immediate release of ₦2 billion and 20 trucks of assorted food items to support the victims. However, findings from affected communities reveal a disturbing gap between the announced relief and actual on-ground support.
They Only Gave Us a Loaf of Bread
Many victims say they feel neglected and deceived. Several displaced residents reported being photographed with food items by relief officials — only to walk away empty-handed.
“We are 17 in my household, but we were only given one loaf of bread and some tea,” said Mama Isah, one of the displaced victims. “How can that be enough for even our breakfast?”
She pleaded with authorities to allow NGOs and well-meaning individuals to offer direct support without interference. Her frustration was echoed by another victim, Rukaiya Usman, who said: “We are barely surviving. The food they bring is not enough for any family. We feel forgotten.”
Camp Conditions Raise Alarm
Beyond food, victims also decried the appalling state of the makeshift camps. Community volunteer Hussaini Muhammed described conditions at Kpege Primary School — one of the largest shelters — as unfit for human habitation.
“There are no toilets, no clean drinking water, and people are beginning to fall ill,” he said.
Another volunteer, Ibrahim Abubakar, added that emergency agencies were largely absent, leaving communities to rely on their own efforts.
Victoria Abubakar, who has been offering medical support to victims, said all drugs and healthcare assistance currently being distributed were sourced through personal and community donations. “Nothing has come from the government so far,” she noted.
NSEMA Acknowledges Gaps
In response to mounting criticism, the Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Hussaini Ibrahim, admitted there were shortcomings in the ongoing relief operation.
“Our challenge stems from the absence of a conventional camp structure,” he explained. “We’re currently conducting a data capture exercise to accurately identify genuine victims and ensure fair distribution of resources.”
He assured the public that the agency remains committed to transparency and that the process, though slow, aims to ensure accountability and effectiveness.
As frustrations grow, residents and observers are calling for more coordinated efforts, improved transparency, and faster deployment of aid — warning that continued delay may deepen the suffering of already vulnerable flood victims.
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