Mokwa flood: Victims refusing to relocate to relief camps - NSEMA

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, has said that the victims of the devastating flood that wreaked havoc in communities in Mokwa have refused to relocate to IDPs camps provided for them.

The Acting Director-General of the state agency, Ibrahim Hussaini said the flood victims have been left traumatised and confused.

Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, Hussaini said the situation in the area was "massive."

He explained that the tightly knit nature of the community, where most residents are related, had also made them prefer to stay with neighbours rather than move into relief camps for fear of congestion 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.

He noted that humanitarian support was already being received from various organisations, including the National Emergency Management Agency and UNICEF, who had been erecting tents in designated areas for 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.