A devastating flood that swept through Kpege in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed the lives of 17 members of one household, even as the overall death toll rises to 115.
Anas Usman, a survivor, recounted his harrowing experience: “I lost 17 members of my household to the flood disaster that struck early Thursday morning after heavy rain the night before. We were preparing to go to the farm when suddenly our house was submerged by floodwaters.
The water came without warning, destroying our home and taking the lives of children, women, and men from our family.”
Deputy Governor of Niger State, Mr. Yakubu Garba, who visited the victims on Governor Umaru Bago’s directive, confirmed that over 115 bodies have been recovered so far.
He added that search and rescue operations are still ongoing.
“I received updates from NEMA and NSEMA officials who have been on-site since the flood began.
More than 100 lives have been lost, and some victims are yet to be buried as the search continues,” Garba said.
At the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Garba urged the victims to remain patient, assuring them that the state government is organizing relief efforts. He also confirmed that NEMA has supplied food and essential materials, which have been handed over to local authorities for distribution.
NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, affirmed that the agency is actively coordinating rescue efforts alongside the Red Cross and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
She confirmed that food items, blankets, and mats have been provided to support displaced persons.
According to a NEMA assessment on May 30, 2025, at least 115 bodies have been recovered, with injured survivors treated at local health centers.
The hardest-hit areas include the Unguwan Hausawa and Tiffin Maza neighborhoods within Mokwa township.
The Federal Government expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, stated that President Bola Tinubu has been fully briefed and has directed all emergency and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
“The Federal Government’s immediate priority is saving lives and providing urgent relief to survivors.
NEMA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces and Niger State Government, is working tirelessly to assist those affected,” Idris said.
He praised the bravery of first responders and volunteers risking their lives during rescue operations and urged residents to cooperate with officials and follow evacuation orders.
“The nation stands united in solidarity with the bereaved families during this difficult time,” the minister added.