The death toll from the devastating flood that struck Mokwa in Niger State has climbed to over 100, according to Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba. He disclosed the updated figure on Friday during a visit to affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment.
Garba told journalists that the flood followed a heavy downpour on Wednesday night and caused widespread destruction across the region. Among the worst-hit areas are Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town, where 21 deaths were initially reported and dozens of homes destroyed.
“We’ve been briefed by officials from NEMA and NSEMA, who have been on ground since the incident began. So far, over 100 bodies have been recovered, and search and rescue operations are still ongoing,” Garba stated.
Speaking to displaced residents at a local Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, the deputy governor urged patience and assured them of the state government’s commitment to providing relief and long-term support. He confirmed that supplies from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had already arrived and were handed over to the Mokwa Local Government Council for distribution.
Garba also issued a warning against the construction of buildings on waterways, stressing the importance of respecting natural drainage systems to avoid future tragedies.
NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the agency is working closely with the Nigerian Red Cross and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to carry out rescue operations. She confirmed that relief materials, including food items, blankets, and mats, have been delivered to the affected communities.
One of the victims, Anas Usman, shared his heartbreaking experience, revealing that he lost 17 family members in the disaster. “We were preparing to go to the farm when our house was suddenly submerged by water. The flood came without warning after the heavy rain. The house collapsed, and we lost children, women, and men from our family,” he said.
As rescue efforts continue, emergency agencies are racing against time to assist survivors and prevent further loss of life.
