The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Umar, has flagged off the distribution of humanitarian relief materials to victims of banditry attacks and vulnerable persons in Yauri, Shanga and Bunza Local Government Areas of Kebbi State.
Speaking at the event, Umar sympathised with the government and people of the state, particularly communities affected by the attacks, which resulted in loss of lives, property and displacement.
She described the pain and disruption caused by the incidents as profound and assured the victims of the Federal Government’s solidarity.
According to her, NEMA, through its Operations Office in Sokoto State, conducted a rapid assessment to determine the scale of the attacks and identify the urgent needs of affected populations.
Umar said the relief materials, comprising food and non-food items, were intended to cushion the immediate hardship faced by affected households.
She said, “the intervention demonstrates the Federal Government’s concern for the people of Kebbi State.”
She noted that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the welfare and safety of citizens remain a priority.
Umar reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to ensuring that no affected community is left without support.
While acknowledging that the materials cannot fully compensate for the losses suffered, she said they would provide immediate relief and help families stabilise as recovery and rebuilding efforts continue.
She urged beneficiaries and community leaders to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of the items.
Project Inspection
The NEMA Director General also disclosed that her visit included an inspection of an ongoing Federal Government resettlement project for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
She said, “The project reflects the government’s long-term commitment to providing durable solutions that restore dignity and safety to displaced persons.”
Umar expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State Government for its collaboration, particularly for providing office accommodation for the proposed NEMA state office.
She said the gesture would strengthen operational presence, improve response time and enhance coordination with state and local authorities.
She also acknowledged the support of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders, noting that their cooperation has contributed to NEMA’s operations in the state.
Umar reassured residents that the agency would continue to work with the state government and other stakeholders to promote preparedness, build resilience and respond effectively to emergencies.
NEMA said 1,400 households would benefit from the distribution of food items.
The items include:
1,400 bags of rice (25kg each)
1,400 bags of maize (25kg each)
1,400 bags of beans (25kg each)
150 cartons of spaghetti (20 packs of 500g each)
140 cartons of seasoning cubes
140 cartons of vegetable oil (5 litres × 4) 140 cartons of tomato paste (50 sachets per carton)
140 bags of iodized salt
500 pieces of wax print
500 pieces of guinea brocade, 150 cartons of detergent.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mallam Nasir Abubakar Kigo, said President Tinubu had provided relief to the affected communities.
He called on beneficiaries to make proper use of the items and to pray for continued peace and unity in the country.
The First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Nasir Idris, said the Renewed Hope Initiative, led by the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has implemented programmes aimed at improving the lives of women and children.