The death toll from Mokwa LGA, Niger State flood disaster has increased to 151, according to National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Ibrahim Hussaini, the agency’s spokesperson, provided the update on Saturday morning.
Three communities, including Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa LGA, were submerged on Wednesday night after hours of torrential rainfall.
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Hussaini said 11 people sustained injuries while 3,018 have been displaced.
He also revealed that the flood affected three communities with about 265 houses and 503 households were affected, while two roads were washed away as well as two bridges in the area destroyed.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, dispatched a high-level delegation in response to the devastating floods that have swept through Mokwa and surrounding communities, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Leading the delegation were the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
The team paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, to deliver the President’s message of condolence and solidarity.
This was contained in a statement signed by Idris media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.
Speaking during the visit, Idris conveyed the President’s deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating that Tinubu had ordered the immediate deployment of federal resources to support the relief effort.
“We are here on the directive of Mr. President, Bola Tinubu, to come and see the people of Niger State particularly the Governor and officials of the state government to commiserate with you; to sympathize and empathise with you on what has happened in Mokwa Local Government Area
“Mr. President is personally saddened by this and yesterday he directed that every available resources of the Federal Government should be deployed to Mokwa and that’s why you are seeing me in the company of my brother, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affair,” Idris said.
The NEMA has already conducted an assessment of the disaster and mobilised to deliver immediate support.
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According to the statement, Idris confirmed that NEMA is working with state authorities to ensure victims are cared for, bodies recovered, and aid delivered efficiently.
In addition to the emergency response, the president has tasked the National Orientation Agency with ramping up public sensitisation campaigns, especially in flood-prone communities, to enhance disaster preparedness and response in future incidents.
“This is also a call to our people to take this as a warning against future occurrences, especially all those living around the areas where this kind of disaster is prone to happen,” he stated.