SEMA Seeks Support For Jigawa Flood Victims

Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has appealed  to corporate organisations operating in the  state  to support flood victims.

The executive secretary, Dr Haruna Mairiga, made the appeal in interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse yesterday.

Mairiga said corporate bodies should see such gesture as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

He explained that the gesture would help to reduce the sufferings of the victims.

The executive secretary disclosed that Jaiz bank had donated N5 million to support the victims.

“Philanthropists, NGOs and corporate bodies operating in the state should put hands together and support our brothers and sisters affected by flood.

“We are more particular about donations and we want it in kind, that is food items or building materials to help them rebuild their lost houses. We’ve been reaching out to them, but they’re not forthcoming, while other others have been collecting data from us.

“But Jaiz bank has sent N5 million to us, while UNICEF and action against hunger offered to support 3,500 victims with cash,” the executive secretary said.

According to him, the agency held an emergency meeting with its stakeholders to review the 2024 flood incident and some assistance  has been offered to the victims .

Giving update on level of damage caused by the flood, Mairiga said that 39 persons lost their lives, 12,000 hectares of farmlands were washed away, 8,500 houses affected and 15,000 were displaced.

He added that some of the victims, who lost their homes, were being camped in schools.

“Others whose houses have not collapsed are waiting for the water to recede before going back.

“Our major challenge now is for those who lost their houses completely. This is because even if the water recedes,to resettle them is a big task,” he said. NAN