Nasarawa State government has distributed relief materials to the victims of rainstorm at Shafa Abakpa community in Toto Local Government Area (LGA) of the state to ameliorate their plight.

Benjamin Akwash, director-general, Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), distributed the materials on Sunday in Toto LGA.

Mr Akwash noted the huge destruction caused by the rainstorm to houses and other valuables in the community, hence the government’s support to enable the victims to rebuild their homes.

Items distributed were mainly building materials – bags of cement, roofing sheets,  nails, mattresses, toiletries, among others.

The NASEMA boss said: “A few weeks ago, there was a serious rainstorm that devastated so many households, destroyed buildings, property, and other valuables.

“Gov. Abdullahi Sule, in his compassionate manner, has again, through NASEMA, brought succour to the victims.

“The administration has demonstrated that it’s responsive and alive to its responsibility by supporting the victims of this disaster.

“These relief materials can not restore the loss suffered by the victims 100 per cent. The items are meant to alleviate their suffering as a result of the destruction caused by the rainstorm.”

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Hussain Kyafi, thanked the state government for the gesture and promised to use the items for the intended purpose.

In a related development, NASEMA also embarked on an early warning flood sensitisation campaign and response mechanism to Loko and Umaisha Development Areas, respectively.

Mr Akwash, while speaking at sensitisation, emphasised the need for riverine communities to relocate to high ground in the event of flooding  in order to safeguard their lives and property.

“In Loko and Umaisha Development Areas, people are living very close to the River Benue. It is incumbent on us to sensitise these communities to the imminent danger of floods.

“Staying in the flood-prone areas constitutes a danger to their lives and livelihoods,” Mr Akwash warned.

Barnabas Asoloko, communication officer, Nigeria Red Cross Society, Nasarawa State branch, harped on the need for communities to heed to early warning and evacuation.
He said this would enable them to take some of their belongings, like livestock, clothes, and food, to help them cope with the impacts of flooding.

Atnadu Yakubu, vice chairman of Toto LGA, appreciated the governor for taking the bold step through NASEMA to sensitise people on the early warning and response mechanism to flooding, and pledged continuous support.

At a town hall meeting in Loko,  Emir of Loko, Abubakar Sabo, while pledging to pass the message to his subjects, appealed to the state government to establish temporary shelters where displaced persons could take shelter in the event of flooding.

In Umaisha, Ohimege Opanda, Usman Abdullahi, urged the state government to revisit the plan construction of the temporary house project, for which the land had been  allocated.

He also made a case for increased distribution of relief material and financial support for flood victims.

(NAN)