***FG Delegation Visits Niger State, Offers Condolences
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NISEMA) has confirmed that the death toll from the devastating flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area has risen to 151 as of Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Mallam Hassan Mohammed, no fewer than 3,018 persons have been displaced, while 508 households in three communities within Mokwa town were affected by the disaster. The flood, which occurred on Wednesday night, is considered one of the most severe in the state’s recent history.
The report further revealed that 256 houses were completely washed away, leaving victims with nothing to salvage. Additionally, two major roads and two bridges were destroyed, cutting off vital access routes and further compounding the plight of residents.
In a symbolic event that has left many locals stunned, a century-old tree in the heart of the town was uprooted by the raging waters. Many residents have begun to attribute spiritual undertones to the disaster, describing it as unprecedented.
A 75-year-old resident of Mokwa, Alhaji Usman Baba Mokwa, who spoke to our correspondent through an interpreter, described the flood as mysterious.
“We’ve seen heavier rains before, but they never caused this level of destruction. There’s more to this flood than meets the eye, but we won’t rush to conclusions,” he said.
In response to the catastrophe, a Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, paid a sympathy visit to the Niger State Government and the affected communities on Saturday.
Addressing the press during the visit, the Minister conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolences to the people and government of the state. He said the President has been fully briefed and has directed all relevant emergency and security agencies to intensify search and rescue efforts.
“The immediate priority of the Federal Government is to save lives and provide emergency relief through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which is already on ground,” the minister stated.
Alhaji Idris also announced that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has been directed to commence a sensitization and awareness campaign in flood-prone areas to reduce future casualties.
Also part of the delegation was the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatdo, who reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other victims.
Professor Yilwatdo noted that the scale of the flooding may be connected to climate change, and assured that a needs assessment will be conducted to determine the appropriate areas of intervention, including shelter, food, and health support for the victims.