Senator Sadiq seek for relief materials for victims of rainstorm in Kwara North.

Urgent need for quick disaster response to communities in Baruten, Edu and Kaiama Local Governments Areas in Kwara State sponsored by Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar (Kwara North)*

May 19, 2020.

The Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar today (May, 19, 2020) raised a  motion on the floor of the Senate over the destructive rainstorm that has been occurring repeatedly in Baruten, Edu and Kaiama Local Government Areas, Kwara State.

In a statement issued by his Media Team in Abuja, describe the incidence as ugly one which in the last two weeks affecting communities and towns including Gure, Kenu, Bushiru, Biogberu, Tiberu, Okuta, Chikanda, Ningurme, Yakiru, Likpata and Kaiama communities which over 200 houses and properties worth millions were destroyed with several people injured and one death;

The Senator however raise concern that the victims are currently living in a deplorable conditions having been rendered homeless leading to many being dislocated and dispersed into different other villages and communities:

He expressed his worry, that in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic where every citizens are advised to stay at home, displaced victims without a home or roof over their head are at risk aside putting other community members in danger and further worried that members of these affected communities are predominantly farmers and with their dislocation during this peak of raining season when their farming activities is at its zenith, hence their livelihood will therefore be disrupted, further impoverishing them and exposing them to various other risks including COVID-19 and hunger.

Other Senators who supported the motion are; Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe (Kwara Central) who seconded the motion moved by Senator Sadiq.

"The motion concerns everyone as we are entering rainy season. All states and local government be asked to strengthen their various emergency management institutions because NEMA is over stretched and would not be able to meet with the disasters in the country."- Senator Uche Ekwunife said. "We must try to be proactive in various states." Senator Gabriel Suswam added.

Senate therefore resolves and mandate the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to quickly mobilize resources to provide relief and rehabilitation materials to the victims in the affected communities and urge the state governments to assist NEMA by strengthening their State NEMA

End