Chuwang Dungs, Jalingo
Scores of the victims of the flood that ravaged some communities in Jalingo, Taraba State last weekend, were on Wednesday attacked by hoodlums after receiving relief materials from officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo.
The victims were said to be attacked and their relief items such as mattresses, mats, blankets, beans, rice, maize, vegetable oil and beverages amongst others were snatched by the hoodlums that overpowered the few security men present at the venue of the distribution.
Apart from attacking and snatching both food and non food items , three vehicles conveying relief materials of some of the households were destroyed and the items were carted away by the attackers.
Mr Alli Kadiri, assistant head of operation NEMA’ Field Operation Office Yola, Adamawa state, who led the team of the agency officials to Jalingo, disclosed the sad development to Eyewitness in an exclusive chat on Thursday.
Kadiri who said the ugly incident happened shortly after they finished the distribution of the items, explained that, despite the present of security men at the venue, the hoodlums displayed their deadly act, by breaking the entrance gate, invaded the place and attacked the beneficiaries carting away their items.
While describing the situation as unfortunate and pathetic, he said the attacks on NEMA and SEMA officials is becoming alarming since the period of the end SARS saga, especially in Taraba State.
“From the end sars period to this moment, we have done series of distribution in the state and each time we come,  we are being harassed and threatened by the boys.”
Kadiri while raising concern over the danger pose on their lives by the activities of hoodlums in the state, appealed to the state government to make adequate security arrangements during such exercise in other to protect the lives of both the officials and the beneficiaries.
He said the call had become necessary following constant attacks on NEMA and SEMA officials during distribution of relief items since after the end SARS incident.
Speaking on their assessment he described the level of damaged as enormous and alarming. “We have gone round, we have seen things ourselves, the level of damaged is enormous, we will compile our report and present it.”
He said contrary to reports that federal government have not been assisting the state in distress moments. Kadiri said NEMA is very active at all times in the state during disaster periods and the have been working in collaboration with the state emergency agency under the ministry of special duties and humanitarian services with the direct supervision of the state deputy governor, Mr. Haruna Manu.
“Each time we are in the state we are being hosted by the state government and we work in collaboration with SEMA” He noted.
He explained that the federal government in response to the last week flood disaster, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajia Sadiya Farouk directed the agency to come and take assessment and also provide some immediate relief materials.
He disclosed that the main relief would be provided to victims after the assessment of the disaster. 
“It is in line with the above directive that NEMA is carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the disaster, and will forward the report immediately for onward response from the Federal government.
“We were also directed by the ministry to come along with some relief items as part of an emergency response which will cushion the effect of the disaster on the victims before the main thing will come.” He concluded.