By Nathaniel Zaccheaus Abuja
In the aftermath of the devastating floods that struck Mokwa in Niger State, the Senate has called on the Federal Government to launch a comprehensive investigation into the incident, as well as similar occurrences across the country, to develop sustainable solutions to mitigate future disasters.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Peter Jiya, who represents the Mokwa Senatorial District and co-sponsored by 21 other lawmakers during the plenary session on Tuesday.
Jiya disclosed that the floods, which occurred on May 29 and 30, claimed over 700 lives and destroyed property estimated at over N10 billion, affecting both public and private assets.
He emphasised the urgent need for the government to invest in long-term flood control measures, including the establishment of effective early warning systems and resilient infrastructure to manage and contain future flooding.
The Senate, in its resolution, also urged the Federal Government to undertake the dredging of major rivers to ensure the free flow of water and to relocate residents currently living in flood-prone areas, including along active and dormant river paths, erosion zones, and water channels.
He said, “In the early days of this administration in 2023, my office formally alerted the Ecological Fund Office on the need for urgent intervention in the inactive riverways around Mokwa and Kutigi towns—areas historically vulnerable to flooding.
“Despite these warnings and NIMET’s forecasts of heavy rainfall, the necessary response has yet to materialise,” Senator Jiya noted.
The Senate further appealed for intensified efforts in providing relief materials.
The Red Chamber noted that food supplies, medical aid, potable water, temporary shelters, and other assistance delivered during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit have since been exhausted, given the scale of devastation.
Additionally, the upper chamber mandated its Joint Committee on Works, Housing, and Urban Development to undertake a field visit to the affected communities for on-the-spot assessment and to monitor the delivery and implementation of relief interventions.
The session concluded with a minute’s silence in honour of the victims who lost their lives in the disaster.
