The Niger State Government has revealed that over 700 persons are still unaccounted for following the recent devastating flood that struck Mokwa Community in Mokwa Local Government Area.
Governor Umaru Bago made the disclosure on Tuesday while receiving a condolence visit from Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late General Sani Abacha, and his entourage at the Government House in Minna.
Describing the incident as one of the worst flood disasters in recent memory, Governor Bago said the state was still grappling with the aftermath, including search and rescue efforts, humanitarian support, and infrastructural damage assessments.
“We are currently dealing with a very tragic situation. Over 700 people are still missing in Mokwa alone, and we fear the number may rise,” the governor said. “Many communities have been displaced, farmlands destroyed, and lives lost.”
He lamented the scale of destruction and displacement caused by the flood, stressing the urgent need for federal government intervention and support from international humanitarian organizations.
Governor Bago also commended Maj. Al-Mustapha and his team for their show of solidarity and compassion at a critical time for the state.
In his remarks, Maj. Al-Mustapha expressed his condolences and sympathies to the government and people of Niger State, promising to use his network to draw more attention to the disaster.
“This is not just a tragedy for Niger State, but for Nigeria as a whole. We must rally together as a country to support those affected and ensure this does not happen again,” Al-Mustapha said.
The flooding, reportedly triggered by torrential rainfall and the overflow of nearby rivers, has left thousands homeless and stranded, with emergency response teams working round-the-clock to deliver aid and evacuate vulnerable persons.
As rescue operations continue, the state government has set up temporary shelters and is coordinating with agencies like NEMA, the Red Cross, and civil society organizations to manage relief efforts.
Meanwhile, local residents are calling for urgent repairs of broken infrastructure and better flood control systems to prevent a recurrence.
The state government has declared Mokwa and other affected LGAs as disaster zones, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency services.
