Months after the devastating flood in Mokwa that claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands, many survivors say they are still without homes, food, or clarity on when pledged government assistance will reach them.
The disaster, which struck in May, destroyed entire communities, leaving families in makeshift shelters and others seeking refuge with friends or in incomplete buildings. In the aftermath, promises of billions in relief funds and large consignments of food grains were announced by both state and federal authorities. But for many victims, these commitments remain only words.
“We are still living in friends’ houses because the government has not fulfilled its promise,” said Abdullahi Usman, a displaced resident. “We were told houses would be built for us, but no one is even saying when or how that will happen.”
Another survivor, Hussaini Umar-Kongila, said the assistance had only reached a fraction of those in need. “In my estimation, only about half of the victims have received support for rent. The rest have been abandoned. We are not trying to embarrass anyone, but the truth must be told,” he said.
Hamza Muhammad, whose father lost everything in the disaster, expressed his frustration at repeated delays. “I’ve called the officials several times, but they keep making excuses and shifting dates. We are tired of waiting.”
Others, like Abubakar Muhammad, lament that many are still stuck in IDP camps despite initial government visits and assurances. “We thought they would act immediately after seeing our conditions. But nothing has changed. We are still here,” he said.
While some residents, such as Talatu Danlami, acknowledged that a number of victims had received temporary rent support, uncertainty looms over the promised mass housing project. “Yes, some got money for accommodation, but no one knows when the permanent houses will be built,” she said.
For the survivors, each day without action is another day of hardship. As they continue to live in limbo, their plea is simple: turn the promises into tangible relief before hope runs out.
