The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, has said that 207 people have died and more than 700 are still missing after a severe flood hit Mokwa Local Government Area.
The governor shared the sad update on Tuesday during a condolence visit from Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late General Sani Abacha. The Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, represented him at the meeting.
“207 people have been confirmed dead and over 3,000 households displaced. Over 700 persons are still missing and we are yet to ascertain where they are. The flooding has caused extensive damage,” Bago said.
Earlier, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) had reported 163 deaths and thousands displaced, but the new figures show the situation is worse than first reported.
According to the governor, the flood damaged 400 houses and destroyed 283 homes and 50 shops. He described the disaster as a national tragedy and thanked both individuals and companies for their support.
He added that the state government is working with professional groups to find out what caused the flood.
Bago also noted that more than half of the victims were not originally from Niger State.
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“This disaster affects people from many ethnic groups. It is not just a local tragedy but a national one,” he said while speaking to a team from Veritas University who brought relief items for the victims.
Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who led the condolence visit, said the team came to support the government and people of Mokwa.
“We are here to register our condolences over the flood incident that happened in Mokwa, looking at the heavy losses and its impact on the state,” he said.
He added that the delegation would meet with traditional rulers in Mokwa to offer prayers and support.
So far, emergency agencies and donors are working together to help those affected, while the search continues for the hundreds of people still missing.