Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has revealed that over 700 people remain missing for after the devastating floods that hit Mokwa Community in Mokwa Local Government Area.
The Governor made this known during a visit by Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and his delegation in Minna on Tuesday.
Governor Bago, who was represented by his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, provided updates on the flood disaster, stating that the impact has been deeply painful for the state and the nation.
According to him, 207 people have already been confirmed dead, while over 3,000 families have lost their homes. He said, “Over 700 persons are still missing and we are yet to ascertain where they are. The flooding has caused extensive damage.”
The flood, which swept through the Mokwa community, caused widespread destruction, with 400 houses suffering severe damage. In addition, 283 homes and 50 shops were completely destroyed, leaving hundreds without shelter or a source of income.
Governor Bago noted that the state government is actively working with experts to understand the cause of the flood and to prevent future occurrences. He mentioned that a proper evaluation is ongoing to assess the full extent of the disaster.
He also expressed gratitude to individuals and companies who have supported the victims so far, adding that the flood is not just a local issue but a national emergency that calls for collective action and support.
During the visit, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, led a team of sympathizers from across Nigeria. He said, “We are here to register our condolences over the flood incident that happened in Mokwa, looking at the heavy losses and its impact on the state.”
Al-Mustapha noted that his team plans to meet with traditional leaders in Mokwa and offer support. He also said they would be looking into ways to improve community planning and reduce the chances of similar disasters happening in the future.
He added that the delegation was made up of respected individuals from various regions, all committed to showing support and helping find long-term solutions for the affected communities.
