Nasarawa Agency Delivers Relief to Disaster, Banditry Affected Residents

The Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) recently extended support to communities ravaged by various disasters across three Local Government Areas, distributing relief materials valued at millions of naira. Residents in Akwanga, Wamba, and Nasarawa Eggon LGAs, who suffered from bandit attacks, communal clashes, land disputes, floods, and fire incidents, were among the beneficiaries.

The distributed items, observed by our correspondent at the Chun Mada Palace in Akwanga LGA on Monday, included essential provisions such as bags of rice and beans, cartons of pasta, gallons of vegetable oil, sleeping mats, blankets, salt, and other crucial household goods.

Speaking during the distribution event, NASEMA’s Director-General, Benjamin Akwash, explained that the initiative was designed to alleviate the significant hardship endured by those impacted. He further clarified that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), specifically its North-Central Zonal Office, facilitated these relief efforts on behalf of the Federal Government.

Akwash stated, “A few months ago, we were in receipt of reports of gunmen attacks, land disputes, and farmers-herders clashes within the Nasarawa North Senatorial District. The government of Nigeria, presently headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being very caring, being very compassionate, through the National Emergency Management Agency, have deemed it fit and proper to send these relief items to serve as succour to lessen the effect to which these calamities have reduced the victims. So these items are meant as a reminder to us of government’s responsibility.”

The DG highlighted the government's constitutional duties, which encompass safeguarding lives and property, maintaining law and order, and, crucially, enhancing the welfare and security of the populace. He reiterated that the disasters, including flooding, kidnappings, bandit attacks, communal and land conflicts, led to significant property losses in Akwanga, Wamba, and Nasarawa Eggon LGAs.

“On that basis, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed that support be given to the victims to reduce their suffering. He sent these materials through NEMA to our state NASEMA, and we are now presenting them to you,” Akwash added. He also commended Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for his ongoing commitment to assisting the vulnerable across the state, urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the donated items.

Also present, Audu Yohanna, the North-Central Zonal Representative for NEMA, affirmed that the Federal Government under President Tinubu had promptly condemned the attacks and released the relief materials for distribution to those in need. He appealed for patience from those who did not receive aid in this round, assuring that more support would be provided.

In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Akwanga LGA, Safiyanu Isah Andaha, represented by his deputy, Hon. Basau Ibrahim Shauibu, praised NEMA and NASEMA for their commendable gesture, pledging the council’s full cooperation to help the agencies fulfill their mandates.

Offering prayers at the ceremony, the Chun-Mada, His Royal Highness Samson Gamuyare, expressed gratitude to NEMA and NASEMA for remembering individuals caught in unforeseen and unprovoked disasters. He also urged the agencies to proactively assist citizens rather than waiting for calamities to strike. Several beneficiaries who spoke to our correspondent conveyed their appreciation for the timely intervention and vowed to use the items responsibly.