The quiet community in Niger State was thrown into mourning after a devastating tanker explosion claimed 98 lives, injured 69 others, and destroyed 20 shops. In the wake of this tragedy, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stepped in to provide critical support to the affected families.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, led the team to the community, her words filled with compassion and resolve as she addressed grieving families. “We are here to help you rebuild your lives and to let you know that you are not alone in this difficult time,” she said.
Mrs. Umar explained that the intervention follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to easing the pain of the affected community.
For the families reeling from loss, the food, non-food items, and medical supplies brought by NEMA offered a glimmer of hope. Mothers wept softly as they received the items, grateful for the lifeline. One elderly man, whose shop was destroyed in the fire, clasped his hands in silent gratitude, saying, “We thank God and the government for remembering us.”
In her address, Mrs. Umar praised the bravery of first responders—firefighters, medical personnel, and community volunteers—who risked their lives to save others. She stressed the need for communities to prepare for such disasters, saying, “This tragedy reminds us all of the importance of being vigilant and proactive in protecting lives and property.”
The event drew notable figures, including the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Daudu, and the Chairman of Gurara Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdulhalim Abubakar. Both expressed heartfelt gratitude for the swift response from the federal government.
For many in the community, the scars of the tragedy remain fresh, but the visit from NEMA and the relief provided gave them a sense of solidarity and hope. As the sun set on the distribution day, families carried their supplies home, some with heavy hearts, others with a renewed sense of resilience.
While the disaster has left an indelible mark, the support and compassion shown by NEMA remind the affected community that even in their darkest hour, they are not alone.
