The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has distributed palliative items, including food and non-food to over 200 households affected by the recentfloods in Dass local government area of Bauchi State.
The benefitting communities included Kardam, Gifkir, Badel, Bununu, and parts of Baraza, where floodwaters destroyed homes, washed away food supplies, and other necessities of life, just 10 days ago.
Our correspondent reports that each beneficiary received five bags of 25kg rice, three cartons of spaghetti, a 50kg bag of sugar, two gallons of five litres vegetable oil, one bundle of roofing zinc, three NEDC-branded mats, three blankets, two children’s clothing items, two women’s wrappers, and two men’s brocade items.
Speaking during yesterday’s relief item distribution, NEDC Bauchi State coordinator Alhaji Aliyu Isiyaku said the intervention was part of the commission’s humanitarian mandate to support disaster victims.
He said, “This is part of NEDC’s humanitarian intervention to support those affected by the disaster.
We sincerely appreciate the executive management of NEDC for their timely decision to provide palliative support to the flood victims here in Dass.”
He added the relief is a gesture to alleviate their pain and restore hope, “Many residents have been left homeless without shelter, food, water, or other basic necessities of life.
“The NEDC management deemed it necessary to extend support and provide relief to the affected communities,” Alhaji Aliyu added.
“The relief package comprises both food and non-food items, including rice, sugar, spaghetti, roofing zinc, blankets, NEDC-branded mats, children’s clothing, women’s wrappers, and even shadda, all intended for the victims,” Aliyu Isyaku explained.
“We have categorised the beneficiaries into three groups. Those severely affected, those moderately affected, and those least affected by the incident. Out of these, about 111 people fall into the severely affected category, while 95 are classified as least affected,” he added.
He assured that the NEDC would continue its humanitarian work and ensure aid reaches the right people.
The total consignment distributed included 2,000 bags of rice (25kg), 1,000 cartons of spaghetti, 300 bags of sugar (50kg), 200 bundles of roofing zinc, 600 gallons of vegetable oil (5 litres), 1,000 NEDC-branded mats, 1,000 blankets, 500 children’s clothes, 500 women’s wrappers, and 500 men’s brocade.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Gideon Madia, a retired teacher from the Kardam community, said the support will ease their hardship and restore hope. He noted that the items would go a long way in helping them rebuild their lives and meet their immediate needs.
“The flood entered every part of my house, washing through everything. Although my concrete house didn’t collapse, the damage to my property was huge. This kind of support is something I never expected, it gives hope to the whole community. We really appreciate NEDC for this support,” he said.
Fatima Idris, another beneficiary, said the aid came at a time they were struggling to survive, “Our homes and food were gone, and life has been hard. This is more than just items; it’s a blessing for us. We said thank you to the commission,” she noted.
Zakarai Ahmed, the representative of Bununu District Head in Dass, thanked NEDC for the timely gesture and expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries.
He added that the aid would greatly help affected victims. “We are very grateful, and I am happy to see people receiving assistance. This is something I have long been waiting for,” he said.
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