Death tally in Niger flood rises, Obi pays condolence visit, donates N20m to relief efforts
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Death tallyl in the flood that washed through Mokwa Council of Niger State has risen to 200 with 503 households affected and more than 3,000 residents displaced.
About 500 people are still missing but rescue efforts are scaling down as authorities fear there may no longer be any survivors, according to BBC Hausa.
One survivor, Adamu Yusuf, recounted how he lost his wife and newborn baby to the flood that submerged his house.
Said he: “My wife was the one that woke me up when the flood hit, and I quickly gathered the family and told everyone to hold one another. As we stepped outside, we saw water everywhere in our living room and the compound. They panicked and we got disconnected.”
His wife and baby had only just returned to Mokwa a day before, after spending weeks at his in-law’s place following childbirth.
“I watched helplessly as water washed away my family. I survived because I could swim. It was God that saved me,” Yusuf stressed.
Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) spokesman Ibrahim Hussaini disclosed on Sunday that personnel recovered two more bodies, with 503 household affected and 11 people injured.
“On Sunday, two more bodies were recovered under the bridge in Mokwa. The victims were buried this morning. In total, Mokwa has recorded 153 deaths, with 3,018 people affected, 503 households impacted, 11 injured, and three bridges damaged,” he explained.
“In Ndayako, no deaths were recorded, but 98 people were affected, 58 houses damaged, and 17 households impacted. Raba also recorded no deaths, though five houses were affected and one bridge damaged.”
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has begun distribution of relief materials to the victims and said it is working with community leaders to collate the names of those reported missing or deceased in order to facilitate documentation, investigation, and further support.
Obi visits flooded areas, condoles with victims
Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) has paid a condolence visit to the government and people of Niger over the flood disaster.
Obi, accompanied by LP National Chairman Nenadi Usman and Obedient Movement National Co-ordinator Yunusa Tanko, visited the scene and expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones.
He also visited Niger State Government House in Minna where he was received by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba.
“Today, along with Senator Usman and Dr. Tanko, I travelled to Niger State to condole and show solidarity with the governor and the good people of the state over the devastating floods in the Mokwa area of Niger State,” Obi announced on his X handle.
“While in the UK yesterday, I had earlier called Governor Mohammed Bago, to express my heartfelt condolences.
“While in Niger State, I was warmly received by the Deputy Governor, Garba, and we had a discussion about the urgent needs of the affected communities, where over 200 lives have been lost, about 1,000 persons are still missing, more than 3,000 people have been displaced from their homes, and several homes destroyed.
“As I mentioned during the visit, this incident and others happening all over Nigeria affect us all, and as a family, we must come together to care, comfort and stand together, especially in times of grief and difficulty.
“I hereby urge and appeal to the Federal Government, all support agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to assist the good people of Niger State in ameliorating their suffering.
“I also wish to commend the efforts of the Governor and the local response teams for their courage and resilience in the face of this overwhelming challenge.
“As part of my commitment to stand with the people of Niger State during this difficult time, I made an initial donation of N20 million to support the effort of the government and I will continue to support their effort.
“I pray that God comforts the families of those who have lost their loved ones, protects those still missing, and grants healing and strength to everyone affected by this disaster. May Niger State find peace and restoration.”
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