NEMA donates relief items to Katsina banditry victims

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has donated relief materials to victims of banditry in six most affected local government areas of Katsina State.

Its Director-General, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, said this at the inauguration of the relief items distribution exercise, on Wednesday in Katsina.

She said the Federal Government approved the distribution of the relief items to persons affected by banditry, kidnapping and displacement in the state.

“As we all know, Katsina has faced serious challenges over the years, especially banditry and kidnapping, as witnessed recently in six LGAs of Musawa, Kurfi, Safana, Bakori, Sabuwa and Kankia.

“Inspite of these trials, the resilience and resolve of its people remain a beacon of hope,” she said.

Umar said the recent devastating incidents in the affected areas, brought new challenges, which displaced thousands 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 further 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 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, more resilient future for all Nigerians,” she said.

Gov. Dikko Radda, commended the gesture, adding it has clearly shown the excellent relationship existing between the NEMA and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Represented by Aminu Faskari, Secretary to the State Government, Radda also lauded the agency over 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 the persons affected by different types of disasters in the state.

“From 2023-2025 the state government has purchased grains worth over N507 million, and building material 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.