Senate urges FG to come to the aid of Laya community devastated by storm

By Haruna Salami

The Senate has urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send relief materials, especially building materials, to enable the people of Laya community in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State rebuild their homes and alleviate their pains.

The Senate resolution was sequel to the debate on a motion on “Urgent Need to provide palliative support to Laya Town in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State” sponsored by Senator Khabeeb Mustapha (Jigawa South West).

Senator Mustapha, in the motion noted that the people of Laya community in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State experienced a devastating windstorm on Thursday, 16th May, 2024, which was accompanied by a heavy rainfall, caused widespread destruction of houses, farmlands, and schools in the community, as well as causing loss of lives and injuries.

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He said “the windstorm further resulted in the displacement of people and families from their ancestral homes, animals, farmlands, as well as destroying essential infrastructure for their economic prosperity”.

According to him, “the people of Laya town are less privileged persons who have now been displaced by the windstorm and are now living in destitution, suffering and fear of future disasters”.

He expressed concern that government agencies have continuously failed to give disaster warnings and preparedness technics to local communities to prevent and control disasters, thereby causing constant fear and lack of preparedness by communities across the country.

In view of the current raining season, the Senate mandated its Committees on Environment and Legislative Compliance to “ensure compliance” and report back in four weeks.