In response to the devastating floods that have displaced thousands in northern Nigeria, Humanity First Nigeria (HFN) has provided essential food supplies to three severely affected communities in Bauchi and Jigawa States. The relief operation, led by Abdul-Qadir Abdul-Rafi and his dedicated Disaster Relief team, sought to alleviate the suffering of families who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the floodwaters.
The distributed food packs, consisting of 10kg of beans, 5kg of rice, vegetable oil, seasonings, and salt, were designed to sustain households of six members for two weeks. This emergency assistance was vital for the flood victims, many of whom had been cut off from markets and essential services.
Communities Affected by Floods
The communities of Rigardinya in Shira Local Government Area (LGA), Hirnawo in Katagun LGA in Bauchi State, and Rankwache Zai Quarters in Jigawa State were among the hardest hit by the floods, which struck in late August and early September 2024. In these areas, where farming is the primary livelihood, the floods destroyed crops and livestock, leaving families in a precarious situation. In Rigardinya and Hirnawo, roads leading to townships were submerged, isolating the residents.
Humanity First Nigeria’s efforts reached a total of 260 households, providing over 11,000 meals through the donated food packs. These communities, particularly hard to access due to the floodwaters, had been in desperate need of aid.
Community Reactions and Expressions of Gratitude
In Rigardinya Village, the Village Head (Seriki), Yakubu Muhammad, expressed deep appreciation for the relief effort. “We are truly grateful that Humanity First found our village worthy of such well-packaged support. Since the flood, we have struggled with many challenges, including access to clean water and healthcare, as well as the loss of our farms,” he said. The Chief Imam of the village, Malam Ali Ibrahim, prayed for Humanity First’s continued success and appealed for additional assistance.
In Hirnawo Village, Village Head Idris Muhammad shared similar gratitude, acknowledging the difficulties the community faced in receiving help due to their isolated location. “Our access road was washed away, and now we rely on cow-drawn carts to reach other communities. We are thankful that Humanity First overcame these challenges to deliver aid,” he noted. Imam Saleh Muhammad also offered prayers, thanking the organization and its sponsors for their efforts.
In Rankwache Zai Quarters, Jigawa State, residents were equally appreciative. The beneficiaries, many of whom lost their homes, welcomed the food packs with joy, hoping for more support to rebuild their lives after the flood’s devastation.
HFN’s Swift Response and Global Support
Humanity First Nigeria quickly mobilized its resources to respond to the unfolding humanitarian crisis. Through its partnership with Humanity First Canada and Humanity First Germany, the organization was able to source funds and provide rapid assistance to the affected regions. The speed of this response highlights HFN’s commitment to alleviating human suffering, particularly in communities struggling with the compounded effects of natural disasters and economic hardship.
Abdul-Qadir Abdul-Rafi, Team Lead for Disaster Relief at HFN Nigeria, praised the support of the international community. “We are immensely grateful to our development partners—Humanity First Canada and Germany—for their continued support. Their contributions have enabled us to provide life-saving aid to these vulnerable communities. We hope they will continue to stand with us as we work to address the growing needs in flood-affected areas across Nigeria.”
A Call for Continued Support
The floods in northern Nigeria have left a trail of destruction, affecting tens of thousands of households. With many farmlands submerged and access to essential services disrupted, long-term recovery will require sustained intervention. Humanity First Nigeria, through its global network, is committed to delivering aid where it is needed most, but more help is required.
“We appeal to well-meaning individuals, organizations, and development partners to join us in our efforts to provide succor to communities facing unprecedented challenges,” Abdul-Rafi stated. “Every contribution counts, and no act of kindness is too small.”
Humanity First International is already working with HFN to expand its reach. Plans are underway to deliver further relief, including raw food items, to four additional flood-affected locations in north Bauchi, Kano, and Abuja and also Ondo, Oyo and Ogun state in the south West. These areas, which have suffered significant losses in farmlands and infrastructure, will be the focus of HFN’s ongoing recovery efforts.
