Flood: Yobe Gov’t supports over 600 displaced people in Potiskum

By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

The Yobe State Government, through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has continued to deliver life-saving assistance and early recovery support to victims of the recent flood disaster in Potiskum.

SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Mohammad Goje, disclosed that more than 600 displaced persons who had sought temporary shelter at Sabon Gari Primary School benefited from the government’s intervention.

According to him, the relief package included cash-for-rent support, with 102 displaced households receiving two months’ rent to enable their reintegration into safe and dignified housing within their communities. Beneficiaries were also provided with daily meals for two days.

Dr. Goje further explained that SEMA distributed essential relief materials to address immediate shelter and hygiene needs, including mosquito nets, blankets, mats, buckets, kettles, bathing soap, detergents, washing soap, and dignity kits.

He said the distribution of non-food items (NFIs) was carried out in collaboration with HOPLE, while displaced families were linked with local agents to help them secure temporary accommodation.

“To ensure effective implementation, a coordination meeting was held with the Local Government Authority, security agencies, humanitarian partners, community leaders, and traditional rulers,” Goje stated.

“The meeting focused on facilitating a smooth transition and the safe relocation of displaced persons from temporary shelters.”

He highlighted progress on registration and validation of victims as of 17th August 2025, noting that: Communities registered so far: 7 out of 21, Households registered: 361, individuals profiled: 2,634, validation of the remaining 14, and communities is still ongoing.

The Yobe State Government expressed deep appreciation to its partners for their contributions to the response efforts, including NEMA, MHADM, the International Red Cross, IOM, Centre for Civilians in Conflict.

Others are, HOPLE, Primary Healthcare Management Board, UNICEF, WHO, security agencies, and the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

Sadly, one fatality was reported in Gadan Talakawa, Dogo Nini Ward. The government prayed for the soul of the deceased, asking Allah to grant eternal rest.

As registration and validation continue in other affected areas, Governor Mai Mala Buni has directed the immediate mobilization of additional resources to ensure that all profiled victims receive timely support for recovery and the restoration of normalcy.