The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced the distribution of emergency relief materials to victims of recent banditry attacks in Kebbi State, as affected communities begin the difficult process of recovery.
Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, flagged off the exercise in Birnin Kebbi, targeting residents in Shanga, Yauri and Bunza Local Government Areas. She explained that the intervention followed a comprehensive needs assessment to determine the most urgent requirements of displaced families.
In recent weeks, suspected armed groups reportedly carried out coordinated attacks on villages across the three councils, forcing residents to flee. Homes were set ablaze, food supplies destroyed and farmlands abandoned. Local authorities confirmed casualties and widespread displacement, with many families seeking refuge in neighbouring communities and makeshift shelters.
The attacks reflect a broader security challenge across parts of northwestern Nigeria, where rural settlements and agricultural communities have faced repeated raids. In Kebbi, the violence has further strained socio-economic conditions, particularly for households dependent on seasonal farming for subsistence.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Umar conveyed the Federal Government’s condolences to affected families and the state government. She stated that the relief package—comprising food items, bedding and other essential supplies—was intended to cushion immediate hardship and stabilise displaced households.
According to her, the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises humanitarian response and social protection for vulnerable populations. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting communities impacted by insecurity and other emergencies.
Representing the Emir of Gwandu, Abubakar Umar commended the Federal Government and NEMA for what he described as a timely intervention. He urged beneficiaries to utilise the materials responsibly and offered prayers for lasting peace in the affected areas.
Also speaking, the Wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Zainab Nasare Nasir, said the assistance would help restore hope to displaced families and reduce the burden on host communities.
The distribution forms part of NEMA’s broader efforts to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of insecurity and reinforce support mechanisms for crisis-affected populations nationwide.
