A delegation from Capacity Media Trust has visited the flood-ravaged community of Mokwa, one year after the devastating disaster that displaced families, destroyed livelihoods, and left many residents homeless.
The team, during an assessment tour of the affected communities, alleged that victims of the flood disaster have largely been abandoned, with little or no visible rebuilding efforts carried out by the state government despite huge public donations and relief funds reportedly mobilized after the tragedy.
According to members of the media team, several affected residents are still struggling with poor shelter conditions, damaged farmlands, collapsed infrastructure, and limited access to basic social amenities. They also questioned the absence of long-term preventive measures to avert another flooding disaster in the area.
The visit further raised concerns over the management and utilization of billions of naira reportedly generated through relief interventions championed by Umar Bago following the flood incident.
Community members who spoke during the visit lamented that promises of rehabilitation, reconstruction, and compensation allegedly made by government officials have yet to materialize one year after the disaster.
The delegation called for transparency and accountability regarding the disbursement of relief funds and urged relevant authorities to publish detailed reports on how donations and intervention resources were utilized.
Observers say the situation in Mokwa reflects the broader challenge of disaster management in Nigeria, where emergency responses are often announced publicly, but long-term recovery and preventive infrastructure remain inadequate.
The group also emphasized the urgent need for sustainable drainage systems, improved environmental planning, and early warning mechanisms to reduce the impact of recurring floods across vulnerable communities in Niger State and other parts of the country.
Residents appealed to humanitarian organizations, civil society groups, and the federal government to intervene and ensure that victims are not forgotten amid ongoing economic hardship and environmental challenges.
