THE death toll in the Niger State flooding rose to at least 150 on Saturday, according to National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
A spokesman for the agency, Ibrahim Husseini, told this newspaper that the sharp increase from the previous death toll of 115 came as bodies were recovered nearly 10 kilometres (6 miles) away from the town of Mokwa, the epicentre of the floods.
A total of 3,000 persons have also been displaced, levelling more than 250 homes and washing away two bridges.
The update comes as President Bola Tinubu said he had directed the activation of the National Emergency Response Centre in the state.
“Some bodies were recovered from the debris of collapsed homes,” Husseini said, adding that his teams would need excavators to retrieve corpses.
He said many were still missing, citing a family of 12 where only four members had been accounted for as of Friday.
In an overnight statement, the President said his directive was necessitated by a briefing from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the need to scale up urgent humanitarian responses to meet the needs of victims.
A report by this newspaper, quoting the spokesperson for NEMA, said the torrential rains late Wednesday through Thursday killed at least 115 people, adding that the toll is expected to rise further.
“This tragic incident serves as a timely reminder of the dangers associated with building on waterways and the critical importance of keeping drainage channels and river paths clear,” NEMA said.
The rains had washed away and submerged dozens of homes in and around the town of Mokwa, located near the Niger River.
According to NEMA, bodies were swept into the river and carried downstream, complicating efforts to compile a death toll.
“I have received with deep concern the distressing reports of severe flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, which has resulted in the tragic loss of lives and the displacement of families.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the good people of Niger State at this difficult time. Upon receiving initial reports, I immediately directed the activation of the National Emergency Response Centre.
“I have also been briefed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the scale of the disaster and the urgent humanitarian needs. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilised to support the state government’s efforts.
“Relief materials and temporary shelter assistance are being deployed without delay. We will ensure that no Nigerian affected by this disaster is left behind or unheard of,” Tinubu said while mourning the victims.
He assured that all those impacted by the incident would receive support from the Federal Government.
We don’t have anywhere again to go to,” residents say after torrential rains washed away dozens of homes in the city of Mokwa.
“I assure all those impacted that your government stands with you. We will continue to coordinate with the Niger State Government to ensure a swift, coordinated, and compassionate response, one that prioritises lives, restores dignity and accelerates recovery.
“I call on all Nigerians to keep our fellow citizens in Mokwa in our thoughts and prayers. In times of adversity, we draw strength from our unity, resilience, and shared humanity.
“I have also directed our security agencies to assist in the emergency efforts while NEMA and the National Emergency Response Centre have been tasked with coordination and providing updates as necessary,” Tinubu said.