…Survivors plead for urgent aid
More than 200 people have been confirmed dead, and over 500 remain missing, following catastrophic flooding that swept through Mokwa local government area in Niger State last Thursday.
The disaster, described as the worst in the region in six decades, has left thousands homeless and in desperate need of basic necessities.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), quoting local official Musa Kimboku, reported that rescue operations have been suspended as authorities no longer expect to find survivors. The floods, triggered by torrential rainfall, devastated communities in Tiffin-Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, destroying homes and displacing countless families.
In an interview on a national television programme, the Niger State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ahmad Suleiman, confirmed that over 200 corpses have been recovered so far, adding that the search continues. “Nobody can give you the exact number of casualties at this point. We are still recovering bodies”, he stated
In response to the tragedy, the Umar Bago-led administration has launched emergency relief operations. Trailers of rice have been sent to the area, and the governor’s wife donated ₦50 million during her visit. Despite these efforts, reports from the ground indicate widespread dissatisfaction among victims with the speed and adequacy of the assistance provided.
At makeshift camps, survivors are grappling with food shortages, poor shelter, and a lack of clean water. Many are sleeping under trees, having lost everything to the flood. “We have nothing left—no food, no money, no roof over our heads”, said Zainab Haruna, a grieving mother who lost her child. “We’re pleading with the government and NGOs to help us. Please, don’t leave us to suffer alone”.
Another resident, Zarah Ibrahim, shared a similar sentiment: “This is the will of God. We never expected it; but we thank God for life. But since yesterday morning when we were given pap, we’ve had nothing else to eat. Our children are hungry”.
Frustration also runs deep over the alleged inefficiency in relief distribution. Victims have called for greater transparency and the direct involvement of non-governmental and private humanitarian actors. “We are 17 people in my household, and we were given just one loaf of bread and tea. Let those who want to help reach us directly without interference”, said Mama Isah.
Community volunteer, Hussaini Muhammed, condemned the state of the camps, describing them as “unfit for human habitation”.
As Mokwa reels from the impact of the disaster, survivors continue to call on the Niger State Government, Federal agencies, humanitarian organizations, and kind-hearted individuals to urgently intervene with food, water, clothing, and shelter.
The full extent of the damage is yet to be ascertained, but residents and officials alike agree: the road to recovery will be long and difficult without immediate and sustained intervention.
