January 12, 2026
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has distributed relief materials to 1,994 victims of the 2025 floods across Katsina State, pledging continued support for affected communities and stronger measures to prevent future disasters.
The distribution ceremony, held at the Old Government House in Katsina, targeted 1,500 vulnerable persons and 494 identified individual flood victims from 25 local government areas. The exercise was coordinated by the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Addressing beneficiaries, Governor Radda described the 2025 floods as a devastating calamity that affected all 34 local government areas, destroying homes, submerging farmlands, disrupting livelihoods and displacing families.
“For over one thousand five hundred vulnerable persons and four hundred and ninety-four identified victims, the disaster was not an abstract event; it was a personal experience of loss, uncertainty and hardship,” he said.
“The suffering of our people must never be treated as statistics. It must be met with presence, empathy and action.”
The governor said the intervention goes beyond immediate relief, noting that the state government is strengthening disaster preparedness through improved drainage systems, environmental management, early warning mechanisms and community awareness initiatives.
He urged beneficiaries to make responsible use of the materials to rebuild homes and restore their livelihoods.
Executive Secretary of SEMA, Hajiya Binta Hussaini Dangani
Executive Secretary of SEMA, Hajiya Binta Hussaini Dangani, outlined the breakdown of the assistance. She said each of the 25 affected local government areas would receive 200 bags of cement and 40 bundles of iron sheets for distribution to victims, while the 494 identified individual beneficiaries would each receive three bags of cement and one bundle of iron sheets.
In addition, 1,500 vulnerable persons — including widows, orphans and the less privileged — are to receive food and non-food items. Four institutions — the Orphanage Home, Children’s Remand Home, Correctional Home and Psychiatric Hospital — will also benefit from the support, particularly ahead of Ramadan.
Dangani recalled previous interventions, stating that in 2023, 2,024 flood victims received building materials, while in 2024, 1,064 victims were paid ₦451.8 million in cash assistance and 3,196 others received building supplies.
She added that SEMA had also provided assistance to victims of thunderstorms, electrocution, banditry and fire outbreaks in the past year.
The SEMA boss cautioned residents against practices that worsen flooding, such as dumping waste in waterways and using substandard building materials, and urged communities to adhere to public safety guidelines. She said awareness campaigns were ongoing across radio, television and online platforms, with Local Emergency Management Committees tasked with intensifying grassroots sensitisation.
The event was attended by local government chairmen, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women’s Affairs, Hon. Albaba, members of the State Executive Council, traditional leaders and representatives of the business community.
