Niger State Government has distributed about N70 million to victims of fire and banditry in some communities in the state on Friday.
The deputy governor, Mr Yakubu Garba, presented cheques for the money and foods items to the beneficiaries in Minna.
Garba, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Bello Ibrahim, noted that governments had the primary objective of ensuring security, welfare and wellbeing of the people.
He said the state government was aware of the plight of the victims and promised to continue to do more in supporting victims of disasters to revive their livelihoods.
He noted that Gov. Umaru Bago had always been passionate about the weak, the vulnerable and the downtrodden, noting that cash and food donation could not equate what the victims had lost to disasters.
He stressed the need for residents to be fire safety conscious by installing fire extinguishers where needed.
The deputy governor also commiserated with victims whose farms were burnt by bandits and urged them to take solace in God.
Earlier, the Director-General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Baba Arah, described the support to the victims as a milestone in the tenure of the Gov. Bago-led administration.
He said the agency had received about three reports of disasters since he assumed office as director-general, adding that frantic efforts were being made to provide relief for victims of various disasters.
“What we are doing today is giving cash to only victims of fire, while victims of banditry on farmlands will receive cash and food stuffs,’’ he said.
He listed Friday’s beneficiaries to be victims of New Market Area in Chanchaga, and some communities in Kontagora Local Government Area of the state.
Responding on behalf of the victims, Mr Ahmed Jaafar appreciated the gesture and promised judicious use of the money.
NAN
