Mokwa flood
Intensifies rescue and relief efforts by the government, Nema
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is escalating its efforts to locate missing persons and deliver crucial aid to families impacted by the devastating floods in Mokwa, Niger State. Nigeria
This comes as the confirmed death toll from the disaster has tragically reached 151.
NEMA’s rapid response and recovery team initiated a symbolic distribution of relief materials to affected residents today, before handing over further distribution responsibilities to the local government, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and community leaders.
The extensive flooding has severely impacted the community, with 503 households and 264 houses affected, displacing a total of 3,018 individuals.
Beyond immediate relief, NEMA is actively monitoring and supporting the full recovery of flood victims who were initially hospitalised and have since been treated and discharged.
The disaster has also crippled local infrastructure, with two township roads and bridges damaged, significantly impeding vehicular movement and economic activities within Mokwa.
In response, NEMA is deploying mobile water purification equipment to provide safe drinking water to residents, alongside implementing other hygiene measures to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
“In line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, all hands are on deck to ensure that every necessary support is provided to the town during this trying time while the situation is generally getting back to normal,” NEMA stated.
National Emergency Operations Centre Activated for 2025 Flood Response
Meanwhile, NEMA has activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), a multi-stakeholder platform designed to monitor flood situations, track data, and coordinate resource mobilisation and deployment in response to the 2025 flooding across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The activation of the NEOC is a strategic and proactive measure by NEMA to effectively manage the anticipated 2025 flood emergency. The Centre commenced operations this weekend, with its initial focus on coordinating the response to the Mokwa flooding incident.
President Tinubu approves N2bn and 20 trucks of rice for Mokwa flood victims as death toll exceeds 200
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate release of ₦2 billion for the reconstruction of homes destroyed by the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the presidential intervention on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the flood-ravaged community. The flood, which struck Mokwa on May 28, claimed over 200 lives, displaced hundreds, and caused widespread destruction to property and infrastructure.
In addition to the ₦2 billion reconstruction fund, President Tinubu also approved the immediate dispatch of 20 truckloads of rice to assist affected families.
“The President’s heart is with the people of Mokwa,” Shettima assured during the visit. He emphasized that President Tinubu has instructed the prompt repair of all damaged bridges in the area and directed the immediate rehabilitation of the town’s drainage systems to prevent future disasters.
Meanwhile, rescue and recovery operations are ongoing. Niger State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ahmad Suleiman, disclosed that over 200 bodies have been recovered so far, with more still unaccounted for.
“We are still in the process of recovering bodies,” he said during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. “The exact number of casualties remains uncertain as search efforts continue.”
Suleiman added that the Niger State Government had activated emergency responses and was collaborating with various agencies to distribute relief items to displaced residents sheltered in makeshift camps.
“The damage on the ground is extensive, far worse than what social media reflects,” he said, noting that trucks of rice had already been sent by the state, while the governor’s wife personally donated ₦50 million to support victims.
Despite these efforts, many victims expressed frustration over the poor condition of the camps and the inadequacy of relief materials. Some displaced persons reported receiving minimal food supplies.
Mama Isah, a victim sheltering with her family, lamented, “We are 17 in my household, but all we got was a loaf of bread and some tea. That can’t even serve as breakfast.”
The flood, one of the deadliest in recent history in Niger State, has renewed calls for long-term infrastructure and climate resilience strategies to protect vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
Governor Bago Donates N1bn to Mokwa Flood Victims, Promises Lasting Solutions
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has announced a donation of ₦1 billion to victims of the recent devastating flood in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.
The governor made the announcement during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities, where several houses and properties were destroyed by the flood. He expressed deep sympathy for those impacted by the disaster and assured them of government support in their recovery process.
Governor Bago emphasized the need for residents to avoid settling along waterways and floodplains, stressing that such actions endanger lives and property. He also assured the victims that donations from the federal government, individuals, and humanitarian agencies would be transparently managed and deployed to meet the needs of the affected.
As part of the government’s long-term response, the governor revealed plans to construct a permanent drainage system and durable concrete bridges in Mokwa to prevent future occurrences of such disasters
“We are committed to doing everything possible to resettle our people and safeguard their lives,” he stated, while appreciating individuals and organizations who have supported the victims.
In a related gesture, Governor Bago advised Islamic teachers in the area to properly document all pupils under their care to ensure accountability and ease of tracing in case of emergencies.
He also offered prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives in the disaster.
The donation and proposed infrastructural measures are seen as a step forward in addressing the recurring menace of seasonal flooding in parts of Niger State.
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