Days after catastrophic floods ravaged communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, displaced residents housed in makeshift camps are expressing deep frustration and anger over what they describe as poor coordination and inadequate delivery of relief materials.
The flood, triggered by torrential rains last Thursday, left a trail of destruction, killing over 200 people with many others still missing. Properties and farmlands worth millions of naira were swept away, forcing more than 1,000 residents—mostly women and children—into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu swiftly responded by approving the release of ₦2 billion and dispatching 20 trucks of assorted food items to the affected communities, many victims say they have seen little benefit from the intervention.
A visit to some of the camps revealed growing discontent. Several victims told reporters they felt sidelined in the distribution process and accused some officials of mismanaging the aid. Some even alleged that food items were being used for photo opportunities, only to be withdrawn afterward.
“We are 17 people in my household, but we were only given one loaf of bread and some tea,” lamented Mama Isah, a flood victim and mother of seven. “How can that be enough for even our breakfast? They came, took pictures of us with cartons of food, and left with them.”
She urged the government to allow private individuals and NGOs direct access to the camps for aid distribution. “Let those who want to help us come directly. We are suffering here,” she added.
Rukaiya Usman, another displaced resident, echoed similar concerns. “We are barely surviving. The food they bring is not enough for any family. We feel forgotten. They make promises, but our stomachs remain empty,” she said.
Camp conditions remain dire. Victims are reportedly living in overcrowded tents with limited access to clean water and healthcare. With the rains expected to continue, fears of disease outbreaks are mounting.
A community leader who spoke on condition of anonymity described the situation as “a disaster upon a disaster.”
“Yes, the president sent help, but what is the use if it doesn’t reach the people? We have pregnant women and children here. Some have not eaten properly for days,” he said.
Efforts to reach officials from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for comments on the alleged mismanagement were unsuccessful as of press time.
Meanwhile, civil society groups have begun calling for increased transparency in relief distribution and stronger collaboration between federal agencies and local organisations to ensure aid reaches those in need.
As the affected communities struggle to rebuild their lives, the focus now shifts to how effectively the allocated funds and relief materials can be managed to prevent further loss and suffering among already devastated families. For many, the road to recovery remains uncertain.
