Niger Flood: Gov Bago, LG Chairman Call For Urgent Relief Materials

By Ayodele Oni

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has sympathized with the people of Mokwa Local Government Area following a devastating flood that claimed several lives and destroyed property in the area.

This is just as the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) in a statement by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah disclosed that no fewer than 21 people, including minors and women, lost their lives in the Mokwa flood disaster .

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the incident as “saddening, heartbreaking, and deeply tragic”, especially given the significant loss of lives and destruction of homes and livelihood.

Governor Bago extended his deepest condolences to the families affected by the disaster, praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and a speedy recovery for the injured.

“We stand with the people of Mokwa in this difficult moment. May Allah grant the departed souls Aljanna Firdausi and give the affected families strength and comfort,” the governor said.

He has directed the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other relevant agencies to immediately assess the situation and provide urgent relief to the affected communities

The governor emphasised the need for swift intervention to mitigate the impact of the disaster and prevent further loss.

The flood, which followed hours of heavy rainfall, wreaked havoc on the Tiffin Maza and Angus Hausa communities in Mokwa town, submerging homes and resulting in multiple casualties.

Governor Bago urged residents of the affected areas to remain calm and assured them that the state government is committed to working tirelessly to ensure their safety and provide necessary support.

Relief efforts are expected to commence immediately as officials continue damage assessment and humanitarian coordination.

The Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area, Jibril Muregi, in a separate statement, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and called on the relevant authorities to swiftly deploy emergency relief and humanitarian aid to the affected areas.

Muregi also stressed that the disaster had led to loss of lives, destruction of homes, and displacement of several residents.

According to NSEMA, the  flood swept through Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa town, Niger State, in the early hours of Thursday.

The disaster, triggered by a heavy midnight downpour which lasted over five hours, submerged dozens of homes, forcing families to flee.

The agency stated that over 50 houses were washed away, leaving families homeless and entire communities in shock.

It noted that search and rescue operations were ongoing, with Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and volunteers combing through the wreckage for survivors and bodies.

“Three people, a woman and her two children,  have been rescued and are receiving treatment for injuries and trauma at the Mokwa General Hospital.

“NSEMA is in receipt of a report of a deadly flood disaster that ravaged two communities.

“Twenty-one corpses have so far been recovered of those who sadly lost their lives in the incident while over 10 persons are still missing as search and rescue operation is still ongoing.”