The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, on Tuesday, donated N20 million cash to victims of Friday’s flood disaster in Gummi town of Zamfara State.
The minister also commiserated with them as their houses, animals, foodstuffs, and farmlands were destroyed by the downpours experienced in the area.
His message and donation were delivered through a 21-man delegation led by the state All Progressives Congress (APC) the Chairman, Tukur Danfulani.
Matawalle urged the victims to consider their present plight as an act of God and expect better recompense from the Almighty.
Danfulani, speaking during the visit, prayed to God against a repeat of such a disaster and presented the N20 million cash to the Emir of Gummi, Justice Lawal Gummi (retd), for onward distribution among the victims.
He appealed to wealthy individuals in the state to assist the victims of the Gummi flood and others spread across the state with relief materials and support.
Receiving the donation, the emir expressed appreciation to the minister for the quick response to his people.
“This donation is timely as it will give the people a good sense of belonging, cushion the effect of the disaster, and help them resettle”, he said.
The emir also assured the minister’s delegation that the donation would be taken to all the affected persons to achieve the purpose.
Among the delegation were Sani Takori, Alhaji Hassan Damri, Ibrahim Dangaladima, Mallam Yusuf Gusau, and Alhaji Bashir Ataka, among others.
Also, the state Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, on Tuesday visited Gummi, Gayari and Falale towns affected by the flood disaster in the local government.
He expressed shock when the Sole Administrator of Gummi Local Government, Aminu Nuhu, led them to the affected areas.
“It is very unfortunate this disaster displaced our people, rendering them homeless. I am here to sympathise with the people of Gummi Emirate over this incident.
“I was mandated by Governor Dauda Lawal to come here to see the level of damages caused by the disaster.
“I am going to report to the governor all that we have seen. I am assuring you that very soon, the governor himself will come to sympathise with you”, he added.
Receiving the delegation, the Emir of Gummi, commended the state government for the visit.
He said the people needed urgent assistance from the government at all levels, and he urged the government to build an earth dam in the area, to reduce overflow of water.
The Sole Administrator of Gummi Local Government Area, Aminu Nuhu, led the government’s delegation to the affected communities.