National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has donated relief materials to victims of banditry in the six most affected local government areas of Katsina State.
Director-General of the agency, Hajiya Zubaida Umar said this at the inauguration of the relief items distribution exercise Wednesday in Katsina.
She said the federal government approved the distribution of the relief items to persons affected by banditry, kidnapping and displacement.
“As we all know, Katsina has faced serious challenges over the years, especially banditry and kidnapping, as witnessed recently in six Local Government Areas of Musawa, Kurfi, Safana, Bakori, Sabuwa and Kankia.
“Inspite of these trials, the resilience and resolve of the people remain a beacon of hope,” she said.
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.
According to Umar, the gesture is a testament to the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu, based on the renewed hope mantra, as the donation will complement the ongoing efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate communities affected by banditry and kidnapping.
She listed the relief items to include 550 bags of rice (25kg); 550 bags of maize (25kg), 250 cartons of pasta, 50 cartons of tomato paste, 50 cartons of vegetable oil and 20 bags of iodized salt.
The NEMA boss commended the Katsina State government for its efforts in managing disasters and supporting the victims.
“NEMA remains committed to working closely with your government to strengthen disaster management and resilience-building in the state.
“As we all know, NEMA had previously assisted the state with relief items at different times of need.
“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 and more resilient future for all Nigerians,” she further disclosed.
Governor Dikko Radda commended the gesture, adding that it has clearly shown the excellent relationship existing between NEMA and the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Aminu Faskari, Radda also lauded the agency for the prompt release of the relief materials.
He said the state government had distributed relief materials including food and non-food items, as well as building materials to those affected by different types of disasters in the state.
“From 2023-2025, the state government has purchased grains worth over N507 million and building materials worth N358 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 N300,000 each, while others got N600,000 each.
“Also, another 3,196 flood victims received building materials valued at more than N180 million,” he said.
The governor said SEMA recently procured food and non-food items worth over N207 million to effectively manage unforeseen disasters, adding that additional funds would soon be released to the agency for the purchase of building materials for distribution to flood victims.
