The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed relief materials to victims of armed banditry in Isa and Sabon Birni Federal Constituency of Sokoto State as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing humanitarian response to communities affected by insecurity.
The intervention, carried out through the agency’s Sokoto Operations Office, was aimed at cushioning the hardship faced by families displaced or adversely affected by persistent attacks by armed bandits in the two local government areas.
Due to the prevailing security situation in the affected communities, the distribution exercise was conducted in Sokoto metropolis under the supervision of NEMA officials, traditional rulers, community representatives and other key stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability and the orderly distribution of the relief items.
The agency distributed essential food and non-food items, including bags of rice and beans, cartons of spaghetti, vegetable oil, tomato paste, seasoning cubes, mosquito nets, blankets and mattresses to beneficiaries.
NEMA said the intervention was designed to provide immediate relief to affected households, improve their living conditions and support ongoing efforts to help victims recover from the devastating impact of bandit attacks that have disrupted livelihoods and displaced many residents in the area.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Sarkin Gobir-Isa, Alhaji Nasiru Usman Ahmad, commended the Federal Government for responding to the plight of victims despite the security challenges confronting the communities.
He expressed appreciation to the government through NEMA for what he described as a timely humanitarian intervention, noting that the relief materials would go a long way in easing the suffering of affected families.
The traditional ruler also urged the government to sustain its humanitarian support to vulnerable communities while intensifying efforts to restore lasting peace and security to Isa, Sabon Birni and other communities affected by banditry across Sokoto State.
Officials of the agency reiterated that the intervention reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance to persons affected by disasters, conflicts and other emergencies across the country.
They added that NEMA would continue to collaborate with state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and humanitarian partners to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support needed to rebuild their lives.
The relief distribution, conducted on August 2, forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of insecurity in the North-West and provide critical assistance to communities grappling with displacement, food insecurity and the loss of livelihoods caused by armed banditry.
