The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has donated relief materials to victims of banditry in the six most affected local government areas of Katsina State.

Its director-general, Zubaida Umar, said this at the inauguration of the relief items distribution exercise on Wednesday in Katsina.

She said the federal government approved the distribution to persons affected by banditry, kidnapping, and displacement in the state.

“As we all know, Katsina has faced serious challenges over the years, especially banditry and kidnapping, as witnessed recently in six LGAs of Musawa, Kurfi, Safana, Bakori, Sabuwa, and Kankia,” she said.

Ms Umar said the recent devastating incidents in the affected areas brought new challenges, which displaced thousands of families, disrupted livelihoods, and increased the vulnerabilities of already fragile communities.

She said the donation will further complement the ongoing efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate communities affected by banditry and kidnapping.

Ms Umar listed the relief items as 550 bags of rice (25 kg), 550 bags of maize (25 kg), 250 cartons of pasta, 50 cartons of tomato paste, 50 cartons of vegetable oil, and 20 bags of iodised salt.

The NEMA boss commended the Katsina government for its efforts in managing disasters and supporting the victims.

“As we hand over these relief items today, let us remember that our collective efforts are not just about responding to disasters but also building a safer, more resilient future for all Nigerians,” she said.

Governor Dikko Radda commended the gesture, adding that it demonstrated the excellent relationship between NEMA and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Represented by Aminu Faskari, Secretary to the State Government, Mr Radda stated that the state government had distributed relief materials, including food and non-food items, as well as building materials, to persons affected by various types of disasters in the state.

“From 2023 to 2025, the state government has purchased grains worth over ₦507 million and building materials worth ₦358 million, which were distributed to the people affected by the disasters.

“Similarly, N451 million cash assistance was given to 1,064 flood victims in 2024. Some of the victims received ₦300,000 each, while others got ₦600,000 each.

“Also, another 3,196 flood victims received building materials valued at more than N180 million,” he said.

The governor stated that SEMA had recently procured food and non-food items worth over N207 million to effectively manage unforeseen disasters. He added that additional funds would soon be released to the agency for the purchase of building materials for distribution to flood victims.

(NAN)