Tragedy struck in the Kpege community of Mokwa, Niger State as a man, Anas Usman, revealed that he lost 17 members of his family in the disaster.
Speaking about the devastating experience, Usman recalled that his family had been preparing for a morning trip to their farm when floodwaters suddenly surged into their home.
According to him, the house was overtaken so swiftly that there was little time to react. The building collapsed under the pressure of the water, burying children, women, and men, many of whom were his relatives.
He said the origin of the flood was unknown, and it arrived with a force that left no room for escape.
Following the disaster, Niger State Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, visited the affected area to assess the damage, acting on the directive of Governor Umaru Bago.
During his visit, Garba confirmed that over 115 bodies had been retrieved and that rescue efforts were ongoing.
He noted that personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) were continuing operations to find any missing individuals and offer assistance to survivors.
At a camp set up for displaced persons, the deputy governor addressed the victims, assuring them that the state government was mobilizing support to ease their hardship.
He disclosed that NEMA had delivered emergency relief items, which had already been handed over to the local government authorities for distribution to those in need.
Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, stated that officials from her agency were actively coordinating efforts on the ground.
She said that emergency food supplies and essential non-food materials—including rice, blankets, and sleeping mats—had been provided to support affected households. Umar added that the agency was working closely with the Red Cross and NSEMA to extend help across the impacted areas.
Umar further confirmed that a field assessment conducted on Friday, May 30, revealed that at least 115 bodies had been recovered.
She also mentioned that many of the injured were treated either at the scene or in nearby health centers and had since been discharged.
The areas hit hardest by the flood were identified as the Unguwan Hausawa and Tiffin Maza neighborhoods within Mokwa town.
The Federal Government has extended condolences to those grieving and affected by the disaster.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, issued a statement on behalf of the government, expressing sympathy and solidarity.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu had been fully informed about the situation and had directed all emergency and security agencies to increase their response and support operations in the area.
Idris emphasized that saving lives and ensuring that survivors receive timely assistance remains the Federal Government’s top priority.
He praised the dedication and bravery of emergency responders and volunteers working under difficult conditions to rescue people.
He also called on residents in flood-prone zones to follow the guidance of emergency officials and evacuate when necessary.
In closing, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to providing relief and ensuring that no effort is spared in supporting the community during this difficult time.
He assured the victims that the nation stands with them in grief and determination to rebuild.