President Bola Tinubu, in a late-night statement, announced that he had ordered the scaling up of humanitarian efforts in response to devastating floods in Mokwa, Niger State. The directive followed an urgent report from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which highlighted the immediate need to aid affected victims.
Citing figures from AFP based on NEMA’s spokesperson, the floods caused by heavy rainfall between Wednesday night and Thursday claimed at least 115 lives, with officials warning the number could increase.
NEMA described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the dangers of constructing buildings on waterways and the importance of maintaining open drainage systems and river channels. The floodwaters destroyed and submerged numerous homes in and around Mokwa, a town situated near the Niger River. The agency noted that several bodies were swept into the river, making recovery and identification efforts more difficult.
Reacting to the situation, President Tinubu expressed sorrow over the incident. “I am deeply troubled by the devastating flood in Mokwa Local Government Area that has claimed lives and displaced many,” he said. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Niger State and confirmed he had ordered the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre.
The president assured that rescue and relief operations were in progress, and relevant federal agencies had been mobilized to support the state’s response. He added that emergency supplies, including shelter materials, were being dispatched urgently.
“No affected Nigerian will be left behind,” Tinubu pledged. “We stand in solidarity with all those impacted and will work closely with Niger State authorities to ensure a fast, coordinated, and compassionate recovery process.”
He also urged the public to keep the affected communities in their thoughts and prayers, emphasizing the importance of national unity and resilience in times of crisis. Tinubu concluded by instructing security agencies to support ongoing emergency efforts, while NEMA and the response center continue to manage and update relief operations.
