How I lost 17 members of my household — Niger flood victim
By Uzair Adam
Seventeen members of a household were swept away by the devastating flood that engulfed the Kpege area of Mokwa in Niger State on Wednesday night, pushing the death toll to 115.
One of the victims, Anas Usman, recounted the tragic events: “I lost 17 members of my household in the flood disaster that occurred on Thursday morning after a heavy downpour on Wednesday night.
“We were preparing to go to the farm in the morning when our house was suddenly submerged by the flood. We didn’t even know where it came from.
“The flood caused our house to collapse, taking with it children, women, and men from our family,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Mr. Yakubu Garba, visited the affected community to assess the situation.
Acting on the directive of Governor Umaru Bago, Garba confirmed that more than 115 bodies had been recovered, with search and rescue efforts still underway.
“I have been briefed by officials from NEMA and NSEMA, who have been on the ground since the incident began, conducting search and rescue operations.
“I was told that over 100 people lost their lives, and some have yet to be buried as efforts continue,” he said.
Addressing victims at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Garba urged patience and assured them that the state government is working to provide relief materials.
He added that the government had already received relief supplies from NEMA and handed them over to the council chairman for distribution to the victims.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, said the agency had provided essential supplies—including rice, blankets, and mats—which have been handed over to the state government through the deputy governor.
She also noted that NEMA was coordinating with the Red Cross and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to support the affected community.
In a statement issued yesterday, Umar confirmed that “based on an on-site assessment conducted Friday, 30th May 2025, no fewer than 115 bodies have so far been recovered as search and rescue operations continue.
Injured persons evacuated to various health centres in Mokwa have been treated and discharged, while some received immediate first aid at the scene.”
The epicentres of the disaster were identified as the Unguwan Hausawa and Tiffin Maza neighbourhoods within Mokwa township.
The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and all those affected by this tragic event. President Bola Tinubu has been fully briefed on the situation and has directed all relevant emergency and security agencies to intensify the search and rescue operations. The immediate priority of the Federal Government is to save lives and provide urgent relief to survivors.”
He commended the courage and dedication of first responders and volunteers, who risked their lives in the ongoing rescue efforts.
Idris also urged residents in the affected areas to cooperate fully with emergency officials and adhere to all evacuation directives issued.
“The Federal Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. In this moment of grief, the nation stands united with them in solidarity,” he said.