THE death toll from the recent devastating floods in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State has exceeded 200, according to the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ahmad Suleiman.
Speaking in an interview today, Suleiman confirmed that recovery efforts are ongoing.
“We have recovered over 200 bodies so far, and we are still searching for more,” he said. “It is difficult to determine the exact number of casualties at this point.”
In response to the disaster, the Niger State government under Governor Umar Bago has activated emergency measures and begun distributing relief materials to affected residents now sheltered in temporary camps.
“The government has mobilized support through various ministries and agencies,” Suleiman noted. “Trailers of rice have been dispatched, and the governor’s wife recently visited Mokwa, donating N50 million to support victims.”
Despite these efforts, displaced persons continue to raise concerns about the quality of relief distribution.
Newsmen who visited some of the camps reported widespread dissatisfaction among victims, many of whom said they had not received adequate food or support.
One of the victims, Mama Isah, shared her frustration: “There are 17 people in my household, and all we got was one loaf of bread and a little tea. That’s not even enough for breakfast.”
Victims also called for the government to allow independent aid groups to assist directly, without interference.
Beyond food shortages, the condition of the camps has drawn criticism. Community volunteer Hussaini Muhammed described the shelters as “unfit for human living.”
The state continues to grapple with the aftermath of the flood, as calls for improved humanitarian coordination grow louder.