The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed the death of 21 persons as flood washed away 50 homes in the early hours of Thursday in Mokwa Local Government Area.
The incident occurred in Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa areas of Mokwa town following heavy rains that lasted several hours.
The NSEMA in a statement issued by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah, said the flood waters submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants.
In response to the disaster, he said the agency in collaboration with Mokwa LG Authority, local divers and very brave volunteers, are currently conducting search and rescue operation looking for survivors and corpses.
“Three persons have been rescued, including a woman and her two children. They are receiving treatment for wounds and shock at the Mokwa General Hospital.
“Twenty-one corpses have so far been recovered of those who sadly lost their lives in the incident while over 10 persons are still missing and search and rescue operation is still ongoing,” he stated.
Meanwhile, National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, has expressed shock at the development, and urged residents to comply with safety standards.
“The incident has left the entire community devastated and in distress.
“As we assess the situation and prepare for an appropriate response, we urge residents to remain vigilant and comply with safety directives from relevant emergency and disaster management agencies to prevent further loss,” it said in a statement issued by Nura Tanko Wakili, Head, Press and Public Affairs,.
The commission appealed to relevant stakeholders to act swiftly in providing relief and support to cushion the impact of the disaster on the affected communities.
