By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed humanitarian relief materials to families affected by a recent boat mishap in Gorau Village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, while also providing life jackets to improve safety for residents who rely on the river for transportation.
The intervention, carried out as part of the Federal Government’s response to the incident, was aimed at cushioning the impact of the mishap on affected families and strengthening preventive measures for boat operators and passengers in the community.
Representing Haj. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, Mr. Tukur Abubakar, Head of NEMA Sokoto Operations Office, said the intervention demonstrated the Federal Government’s concern for the affected families and its commitment to supporting communities facing the consequences of disasters.
Mr. Abubakar explained that many of those affected were crossing the river to their farms when the mishap occurred, noting that the incident underscored the need for greater attention to safety during river crossings. He urged boat operators and passengers to make the use of life jackets a routine safety practice and comply with other established precautions to reduce the risk of further loss of lives.
The Village Head of Gorau, Alhaji Aliyu Magaji Gorau, who survived the boat mishap, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and NEMA for the intervention. He subsequently handed over the donated life jackets to the Sarkin Ruwa, leader of the boat operators, with a charge to ensure their proper management and consistent use by both operators and passengers.
The relief distribution was conducted under a sheltered area following rainfall in Sokoto and its environs. The arrangement was made to protect the relief materials from exposure to rainwater and ensure that the items remained in good condition throughout the exercise.
The food items distributed included rice, beans, spaghetti, salt and tomato paste, while non-food items comprised wax prints, guinea brocade and mosquito nets.
The exercise was attended by representatives of the Honourable Member representing Goronyo/Gada Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Bashiru Usman Gorau, as well as representatives of the Goronyo Local Government Council.
