NEMA offers assistance to Kogi IDP's

In a bid to cushion the hardship faced by some internally displaced persons in Kogi State, following recent clash between Fulani herdsmen and residents of Meza and Bagana communities in Lokoja and Omala Local Government Areas of Kogi State, the Federal Government has come to their aid by given them relief materials.

The National Emergency Management Agency, today in Lokoja, also gave out same relief assistance to those affected by windstorm/flash flood in 3 Local Government Areas of the State.

Making the presentation, Dr Mohammed Sani Sidi, the Director General of NEMA, represented by Ishaya Isah Chonoko, Zonal Co-ordinator, Abuja Operation Office of NEMA, sympathized with those displaced during the crisis in Meza and in Bagana, said the measure taken by NEMA is succor to enable those displaced to live comfortably in their new abode.

Dr Sidi disclosed that the Federal Government is working towards a permanent rehabilitation measure, once the security situation of the affected areas is made conducive.

Dr Sidi disclosed that following the report received on the displacement of people in the affected crisis communities in the State by his agency, his agency he noted visited the sites and from the report gathered he was directed by the Federal Government to make assistance available to those affected.

Dr Sidi disclosed that having noticed the level of damage done to properties in the affected communities, his agency is working with the State Government on how to offer sustainable long term assistance after determining the level of damage.
Dr Sidi urged herdsmen and their host communities to learn to live in harmony, as no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of violence and mistrust.

Receiving the items of on behalf of the Kogi State Government, AVM Gabriel Abdul, Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Disaster Management, commended NEMA for being a worthy partner to the State Government in its time of needs.

AVM Abdul, particularly commended the agency for its support to the State during the 2012 flood, assured that the items donated would be used for the purposes intended.

AVM Abdul, sympathized with those displaced during the conflict in Meza and Bagana and those affected by windstorm/flash flood assuring that the State Government is working round the clock to ensure that they get on with their lives without much challenges.

Items received for those affected include; bags of cement, bundles of zinc, bags of rice, blankets, towels, wax print, mattresses, Gari amongst other household items valued at several Million of Naira.