At least 200 bodies have been recovered following devastating floods in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, according to the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ahmad Suleiman.
Speaking on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Suleiman revealed that recovery operations are still ongoing. “We have more than 200 casualties or corpses but we are still looking for more,” he stated. “Nobody can tell you the number of casualties in Niger State right now because up till now, we are still looking for some corpses.”
In response to the disaster, the Umar Bago-led administration has activated emergency response mechanisms and sent relief materials to displaced victims, many of whom are now residing in makeshift camps.
“The Niger State Government has put things in place,” the commissioner said. “There are lots of contributions from various agencies and ministries. The state government has sent trailers of rice to the victims. The governor’s wife also visited and donated ₦50 million.”
However, reports from the affected areas paint a troubling picture. Displaced residents are voicing frustration over the relief process, with many alleging photo ops without real support.
“We are 17 in my household, but were only given one loaf of bread and some tea,” said Mama Isah, one of the flood victims. “How can that be enough for even breakfast?”
She called on authorities to allow direct aid from individuals and NGOs without interference.
Community volunteer, Hussaini Muhammed, described the conditions of the camps as unfit for human habitation, stressing the urgent need for better infrastructure and support.
