The Niger State Government has confirmed that 1,354 people were directly affected by the devastating flood that struck Mokwa Local Government Area, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
The disaster, which occurred on Wednesday, May 28, displaced over 4,500 individuals, destroyed 265 buildings, and led to the collapse of five major bridges, including the Goodwill Bridge along the critical Mokwa-Jaba Road.
Speaking during the visit of Vice President Kashim Shettima to the affected area, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Murtala Bagana, said 458 households had been impacted and two major roads rendered impassable.
“This is one of the worst disasters we’ve faced in recent times. We’ve recorded massive displacement, infrastructural damage, and unfortunately, a growing number of casualties,” Bagana stated.
Eyewitness reports and community leaders say over 200 bodies have been recovered since the floodwaters receded, raising fears of more unaccounted victims.
During his visit, Vice President Shettima expressed the Federal Government’s sympathy and reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the immediate release of emergency relief materials.
The Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, who is also the Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Council, thanked the Vice President for the personal visit and lauded the prompt federal response.
“Your presence here today gives hope to our people. We appreciate the President’s swift directive and urge that relief materials reach the victims quickly,” the monarch said.
However, despite ongoing relief efforts, displaced residents have decried the poor conditions of temporary shelters and the shortage of food and medical aid.
“We sleep on bare floors, and there’s hardly any food. The government said help is coming, but it’s been slow,” one of the victims at a temporary camp told reporters.
The state government says it is working with emergency agencies to scale up response and resettlement for affected families.
