Bello donates N5m to windstorm victims

GOV. Abubakar Bello of Niger has donated five million naira to the victims of windstorm in a downpour, which occurred on Monday in Rafin Gora, Kontagora Local Government Area.

Bello made the donation on Thursday during a joint condolence visit by members of the state executive council and the legislature to the victims of the disaster.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Haliru Jikantoro,

He gave N200, 000 each to the families of the eight people, who lost their lives, saying the remaining N3.4 million would be given to those whose houses were destroyed.

The governor maintained that the five million naira was to serve as an immediate succour to the victims before other relief materials would come from the government.

According to him, the state government is taking necessary steps to minimise the impact of such disaster in the future.

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In his remarks, the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Saidu Namaska, represented by Alhaji Aminu Ahmed, thanked the governor for reaching out to the victims when they needed him most.

The Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Abdullahi Inga, said the disaster destroyed more than 100 houses.

Inga reiterated the resolve of his agency to intensify its sensitisation campaign against building on waterways, as it was a key factor in forestalling future occurrence.

“From our findings, we understand there is a water channel from the dam meant for irrigation purpose.

“Unfortunately it is under-utilised and when that happens, the water has to find a way to pass.

“Sensitisation is key in this kind of situation and we will continue to do that,” he added.

NAN reports that the member representing Kontagora II, in the State House of Assembly, Nura Garba, also donated N500, 000 to the victims.