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Tag: Flood

  • Real cause of Mokwa flood disaster revealed as death toll rises

    Real cause of Mokwa flood disaster revealed as death toll rises

    The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has revealed the real cause of the devastating flood disaster that ravaged Mokwa town in Mokwa local government area of Niger State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mrs Awoibi Joe-Ukairo, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at NIHSA, to have attributed the Mokwa flooding to anthropogenic activities in that area.

    Speaking on Arise TV News Night programme on Tuesday, Mrs Joe-Ukairo disclosed that NIHSA’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed reported this from a visit to Mokwa to assess the situation.

    “We had predicted that it was going to flood in that area. In fact, we have what we call the flash flood dashboard. On it, Mokwa was indicated to be at a high risk for flooding for between April to June.

    “So, what we are seeing was already predicted. The alerts were there. The information was sent out like we usually would do. But, unfortunately, in this particular incident, the flooding is a result of anthropogenic activities, that is, human contributed activity in that area,” Joe-Ukairo said.

    While commiserating with victims of the Mokwa flood disaster, the NIHSA Director said, “We are saddened by the incident. As much as we make our predictions, we really do not want to see the fatalities that take place as a result of the event”.

    Speaking further, she said, “There was a construction work that took place in that area and there is this River Dingi, a tributary to River Niger.

    “When this construction took place, it blocked the water flow path to the major River Niger and over time built up ponds of water in that location.

    “A temporary embankment was made and you know how water is, it will always find its way and take its course.

    “So, when this rain started on Wednesday, it was intense and went on for a longer time. The embankment soaked up water and gave way.

    “Because this construction had gone on there, it stopped the flow to the other side, which became like a reclaimed land and people went to build houses there.

    “The river was a seasonal river. So, people felt it was okay to live there and that is why you are seeing the high number of fatalities. People began to inhabit the place. A lot of people.

    “This is really a saddening situation for us. As much as we predict, we hope that people will heed to the predictions and take precautions so that we do not have what we have now”.

    The NIHSA Director added: “Prediction is also a mitigation measure. That is why we come out earlier in the year before the rain starts.

    “In the past, we will predict for the State and for the local government, but this year’s annual flood outlook, we predicted down to the communities.

    “That is why you can see that we picked up this particular community as a high risk vulnerable community that is going to be impacted by flood. We have the high risk areas and the moderate areas. Mokwa was on high risk.

    TNG reports over 1,200 communities are at high risk, more than 2,000 are at moderate risk and cities like Abuja and Lagos have been flagged, according to the annual flood outlook.

    Mokwa flood: 7 more bodies recovered

    Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has announced the recovery of additional seven bodies from the flood disaster in Mokwa, bringing the number of casualties to 160.

    This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Minna by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman.

    According to Usman, four of the bodies were recovered on Monday and one body was recovered in the early hours of Tuesday, while two more bodies were recovered on Tuesday in the ongoing search efforts.

    He said the recovered bodies had since been buried.

    “This development brings the total number of confirmed fatalities from the flood to 160.

    “The State Government wishes to appeal to residents and the general public to remain calm and prayerful in this moment of collective grief.

    “We urge everyone to avoid spreading unverified or misleading information that may further deepen sorrow, incite panic, or cause unnecessary confusion within our communities.

    “While we continue to mourn the lives lost, the government remains committed to providing the necessary support to affected families and intensifying rescue and relief efforts where needed,” the statement added.

  • Mokwa flood disaster: 7 more bodies recovered

    Mokwa flood disaster: 7 more bodies recovered

    The Niger State Government has announced the recovery of seven additional bodies from the recent flood disaster in Mokwa bringing the number of casualties to 160.

    This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Minna by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman.

    According to Usman, four of the bodies were recovered on Monday and one body was recovered in the early hours of Tuesday, while two more bodies were recovered on Tuesday in the ongoing search efforts.

    He said the recovered bodies had since been buried.

    “This development brings the total number of confirmed fatalities from the flood to 160.

    “The State Government wishes to appeal to residents and the general public to remain calm and prayerful in this moment of collective grief.

    “We urge everyone to avoid spreading unverified or misleading information that may further deepen sorrow, incite panic, or cause unnecessary confusion within our communities.

    “While we continue to mourn the lives lost, the government remains committed to providing the necessary support to affected families and intensifying rescue and relief efforts where needed,” the statement added.

  • FG refutes claims dam failure worsened Mokwa flood disaster

    FG refutes claims dam failure worsened Mokwa flood disaster

    The Federal Government has refuted claims that the recent devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, was caused by the release or failure of water from nearby dams.

    Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said both the Kainji and Jebba dams remain structurally sound and fully operational.

    ”It is important to clarify that the flooding in Mokwa was not the result of any water release from the Kainji or Jebba dams.

    ”Both facilities are intact and pose no risk to surrounding communities,” the minister stated.

    Utsev expressed the federal government’s sympathy to the Government and people of Niger, especially the communities affected by the disaster, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 29.

    He commended the swift response of the state government, local authorities, and first responders for providing relief to victims.

    According to the minister, the flooding was largely due to heavy rainfall associated with extreme weather conditions driven by climate change, which overwhelmed the town’s drainage infrastructure.

    He explained that unregulated building activities and encroachments blocked a seasonal tributary of River Dingi, which normally remained dry except during periods of heavy rainfall.

    According to him, the absence of efficient alternative drainage channels worsened the situation.

    The minister also recalled that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), under the ministry, had warned of potential flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area as part of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released on April 10.

    ”The AFO identified 1,249 communities across 176 local government areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as high flood-risk zones. An additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs were listed as moderate risk.

    ”The high-risk states include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara,” he said.

    He reiterated earlier warnings, urging state and local governments to improve drainage, relocate at-risk communities, raise public awareness, and enforce land-use laws.

    He also encouraged stakeholders to consult NIHSA’s online flood forecast dashboard for detailed, location-specific risk information to aid proactive planning and disaster mitigation.

    Utsev described the Mokwa flood as a stark reminder of the increasing impact of climate change, which continues to manifest in more frequent and intense weather events nationwide.

    ”As a Ministry, we remain fully committed to managing Nigeria’s water resources sustainably and building climate-resilient systems.

    ”We call on all sectors, government, private, civil society, and communities to work together in building safer and more resilient environments,” he said.

    He added that technical personnel from the ministry, NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) were already on site in Mokwa conducting a thorough assessment to guide future interventions.

    While expressing the government’s condolences, the minister noted that flooding is not just a natural event but a developmental issue requiring coordinated and sustained response.

    According to data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), more than 200 people lost their lives and around 500 remain missing following the floods in Mokwa on May 29.

    NEMA also reported that at least 121 individuals sustained injuries, while more than 3,000 residents were displaced.

    The flood, triggered by heavy rainfall destroyed over 265 homes, as well as key roads and bridges.

    President Bola Tinubu has pledged federal assistance and activated the National Emergency Response Centre to coordinate ongoing recovery efforts.

  • CLARIFICATION! Mokwa flood not caused by dam release, FG insists

    CLARIFICATION! Mokwa flood not caused by dam release, FG insists

    The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has dismissed claims that the devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, on May 29, 2025, was triggered by the release of water from the Kainji or Jebba dams.

    Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Utsev assured the public that both dams remain intact and safe, debunking widespread speculation linking them to the disaster, which claimed lives and displaced many residents.

    “The flood was primarily due to heavy rainfall driven by extreme weather conditions associated with climate change, which overwhelmed Mokwa’s drainage capacity,” the Minister explained.

    He further noted that unregulated construction had obstructed a seasonal tributary of River Dingi—an offshoot of the River Niger—intensifying the flood’s impact.

    Prof. Utsev praised the rapid intervention by the Niger State Government, local authorities, and emergency responders, and extended the federal government’s condolences and support to the affected communities.

    He also revealed that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), under his ministry, had previously issued warnings about potential flooding in Mokwa and 18 other local government areas in Niger State in its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook released on April 10.

    According to the forecast, 1,249 communities in 176 local government areas across 33 states and the FCT fall within high flood risk zones, while 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs face moderate flood risk. High-risk states include Niger, Lagos, Kogi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Benue, Kebbi, and Rivers, among others.

    Reiterating the ministry’s earlier warnings, Utsev urged states and local governments to urgently strengthen their drainage infrastructure, relocate communities from flood-prone areas, increase public awareness campaigns, and enforce land-use regulations to stop encroachments.

    He described the Mokwa flood as a “stark reminder” of the growing impacts of climate change on Nigeria’s water systems and emphasized the ministry’s commitment to managing water resources sustainably and building climate-resilient communities.

    Utsev disclosed that technical teams from NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, and the National Water Resources Institute are already in Mokwa assessing the disaster and will provide a detailed report soon.

    Meanwhile, a top official in the ministry who spoke off the record told The Nation that the Federal Government had already disbursed funds to states for the maintenance, upgrade, and expansion of drainage systems in flood-prone areas.

    She claimed many state governors failed to utilize the funds, which she blamed for the scale of the devastation in Mokwa.

    “The truth is that these deaths are not because of dam releases or federal inaction. It is the negligence of some governors who did not deploy the funds released to them for flood control,” she said.

    The ministry restated its condolence to the people and Government of Niger State, calling for nationwide collaboration across all levels of government, civil society, and the private sector to address what it described not just as a natural disaster, but a developmental challenge.

  • Mokwa flood disaster: Tinubu directs repairs of damaged bridge

    Mokwa flood disaster: Tinubu directs repairs of damaged bridge

    President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry for Works to repair the damaged bridge linking the north and southern parts of the country washed away by recent flood in Mokwa, Niger state.

    Malam Bello Goronyo, Minister of State for Works, disclosed this on Tuesday when he led a delegation from the ministry on a condolence visit to Mokwa to commiserate with the people over the flood disaster.

    The flood disaster that occurred on May 29 claimed the lives of 158 people.

    Goronyo told the village head of Mokwa during the visit that the president directed the ministry to provide an access road for vehicular movement and to do everything possible to restore the damaged bridge.

    “The President gave a clear directive for me to come and commiserate with the government and people of Niger state over the ugly incident.

    “In his directives, he said we should do everything possible to restore the access road for vehicular movement on the damaged bridge washed away by the flood.

    “The president directed that we provide an access road for vehicular movement and create an access road due to the high volume of articulated vehicles carrying goods from the north to the south,” he said.

    He said that the ministry would continue to do more in areas of infrastructure in the country, particularly in Niger that host alot of Federal road networks due to its strategic location connecting North and South.

    Responding, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, the village head of Mokwa (Ndalila of Mokwa) disclosed that over 200 houses and four bridges collapsed with many people still missing.

    He said the affected bridges included the rail bridge and the main bridge connecting the North and South. He appealed to the government to resettle affected persons.

    Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Niger, Yakubu Garba, thanked President Tinubu for the condolence visit and expressed happiness over the show of concern from the Federal government.

  • Mokwa flood disaster: Peter Obi donates N20m to victims

    Mokwa flood disaster: Peter Obi donates N20m to victims

    The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, on Monday paid a sympathy visit to Niger over the flood that recently claimed many lives in Mokwa.

    A statement issued by Peter Obi Media Reports Spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, on Monday in Abuja, said that Obi was accompanied on the visit by the acting National Chairman of the party, Sen. Nenadi Usman.

    Also in company with Obi was the National Coordinator of Obedient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko.

    The former presidential candidate also visited the Niger Government House where he was received by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Yakubu Garba.

    Writing on his X handle after the visit, Obi said: “I travelled to Niger to condole and show solidarity with the governor and the good people of the state over the devastating floods in the Mokwa area of Niger.

    “While in the UK yesterday, I had earlier called the governor, Governor Mohammed Bago, to express my heartfelt condolences.

    “While in Niger, I was warmly received by the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, and we had a discussion about the urgent needs of the affected communities, where over 200 lives have been lost.

    “About 1,000 persons are still missing, more than 3,000 people have been displaced from their homes, and several homes destroyed.

    “As I mentioned during the visit, this incident and others happening all over Nigeria affect us all, and as a family, we must come together to care, comfort and stand together, especially in times of grief and difficulty.

    “I hereby urge and appeal to the Federal Government, all support agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to assist the good people of Niger in ameliorating their suffering.”

    Obi commended the governor and the local response teams for their courage and resilience in the face of the overwhelming challenge.

    “As part of my commitment to stand with the people of Niger during this difficult time, I made an initial donation of ₦20 million to support the effort of the government and I will continue to support their efforts.

    “I pray that God comforts the families of those who have lost their loved ones, protects those still missing, and grants healing and strength to everyone affected by this disaster. May Niger find peace and restoration,” he said.

  • Flooding: Ekiti Govt to demolish illegal structures on waterways

    Flooding: Ekiti Govt to demolish illegal structures on waterways

    The Ekiti Government has ordered the demolition of structures on waterways across the state to avert flooding.

    The Ekiti Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the directive, on Monday, during the flag off of a stakeholders’ engagement on 2025 Flood National Disasters and Response Campaign (NPRC).

    The meeting had as its theme: “ Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Preparedness and Response

    Speaking at the event organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Ado Ekiti, Afuye directed local government councils and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to begin the marking of structures on waterways.

    She expressed regrets that Ekiti witnessed repeated and devastating cases of flooding, and windstorms that wreaked havoc in some towns in 2024 and 2025.

    The deputy governor said that NiMet had warned that Ekiti  would be one of the possible flashpoints for flooding in 2025.

    According to her, this makes it expedient for the local government chairmen to prevent desertification, ensure regular desilting of waterways, encourage tree planting and stop people building on flood prone areas.

    Afuye also encouraged the involvement of community based disaster strategies.

    She advised the council chairmen to work with traditional rulers in the respective areas to sensitise people on flooding in view of  NiMet’s prediction.

    The  Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said that the sensitisation programme was a swift response to  the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predictions that some states would be affected by flooding in 2025.

    Umar, represented by Fred Anusim, the team lead and NEMA’s Head of Research and Planning, lamented the death of 150 persons in Mokwa, Niger State, where houses were submerged by flooding.

    The D-G said that the danger was caused by human interference with nature.

    Zubaida commended NiMet and Nigeria Hydrological Service agency on their annual flood outlook that had helped in preventing calamities in the country through accurate predictions for each climatic year.

    “With the use of weather satellite surveillance and flood risking modelling software, they have been able to forecast at 90% accuracy of rainfall patterns in the country for all the LGAs.” she said.

    The General Manager, Ekiti  Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Oludare Asaolu, said the proactive steps taken by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in dredging of waterways and drainages, has mitigated cases of flooding in Ekiti.

    Also, Chairman, Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, appealed to the Federal Government to focus attention on erosion ravaging many communities in the state.

    He described this as the most troubling crisis bedeviling some towns.

    Participants at the engagement include: Chairmen of local governments, representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Red Cross.

    Others were representatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Fires Services, National Orientation Agency, civil servants, traditional rulers, traders, among others.

  • 72hrs after Mokwa Flood: Victims cry out over food shortage, poor camp conditions

    72hrs after Mokwa Flood: Victims cry out over food shortage, poor camp conditions

    72 hours after floods devastated several communities in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, victims at makeshift camps continue to voice deep dissatisfaction over the handling of relief efforts.

    A visit to the affected communities revealed the frustration and disappointment of flood victims, especially over the lack of adequate food supplies and poor camp conditions.

    Many displaced residents lamented that although they were photographed with food items by authorities and relief personnel, they were not given the supplies.

    One of the victims, Mama Isah, expressed her pain, saying: “We are 17 people in my household, but we were only given one loaf of bread and some tea. How can that be enough for even our breakfast?”

    She appealed to the government to allow well-meaning individuals and organisations to support them directly without interference or diversion.

    Another victim, Rukaiya Usman, echoed similar concerns, criticising the quantity of food being distributed.

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    “We are barely surviving. The food they bring is not enough for any family. We feel forgotten,” she said.

    Beyond food shortages, the condition of the camps has also come under scrutiny. A community volunteer, Hussaini Muhammed, described the camps as unsuitable for human habitation.

    “There are no toilet facilities, and we don’t have access to clean drinking water. People are getting sick,” he said.

    Ibrahim Abubakar, another volunteer, noted the complete absence of major emergency response agencies at Kpege Primary School, which serves as one of the major shelters.

    “NEMA, NSEMA, and other authorities are nowhere to be found. Everything here is being done by members of the community,” he alleged.

    On the healthcare front, Victoria Abubakar, a health volunteer, confirmed that all medical assistance and supplies being given to flood victims are sourced through personal and community efforts.

    “We are giving out drugs and attending to sick victims out of goodwill. None of this is coming from the government,” she said.

    In response to the mounting complaints, former Deputy Governor of Niger State, Ahmed Ketso, urged both the federal and state governments to intensify efforts and collaborate more effectively in alleviating the sufferings of the flood victims.

    Reacting to the allegations, the Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Hussaini Ibrahim, acknowledged the gaps in the relief operations.

    “The challenges we are facing are partly due to the absence of a conventional camp,” he explained.

    He added that the agency is currently undertaking a comprehensive data-capturing exercise to accurately identify real victims and ensure relief materials reach the intended recipients.

    “We are working to ensure that the right people get what they deserve. This process takes time, but we are committed to transparency and fairness,” he said.

    As the victims wait for adequate relief and support, the call for immediate and coordinated government intervention continues to grow louder.

  • Amid Mokwa flood disaster, NiMet releases list of States to be affected by rainfall

    Amid Mokwa flood disaster, NiMet releases list of States to be affected by rainfall

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rain from Monday to Wednesday across the country.

    This is coming amid the devastating flood disaster that ravaged Mokwa town, in Mokwa Local government area of Niger State.

    The flood incident occurred on Wednesday morning after a heavy rainfall on Tuesday night.

    The flood has claimed 153 lives so far, according to the Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) with property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

    The flood also washed away part of the Mokwa bridge that links the north with the southwest, leaving motorists and passengers stranded on both sides.

    NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja envisaged morning thunderstorms on Monday with rains over parts of Taraba, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa and Kano States in the northern region.

    According to the agency, there are prospects of thunderstorms with rain over parts of Taraba, Kaduna, Sokoto, Borno, Kebbi, and Zamfara States later in the day.

    “In the North-central region, morning thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Nasarawa States.

    “In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms with rains are expected over parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, and Benue States.

    “In the southern region, cloudy atmosphere is expected with prospects of morning rain over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom,” it said.

    The agency anticipated rain showers over parts of Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa, later in the day.

    “For Tuesday, in the northern region, morning thunderstorms with rains are expected over parts of Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe and Taraba.

    “In the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Kebbi, Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Katsina States.

    “In the North-central region, thunderstorms with rains are over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa States during the morning period,” it said.

    The agency envisaged thunderstorms with rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, and Plateau later in the day.

    It predicted thunderstorms over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom in the southern region in the morning hours.

    The agency anticipated rains over parts of Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa later in the day.

    NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms on Wednesday with rains over parts of Zamfara, Adamawa, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Taraba in the northern region during afternoon or evening hours.

    It envisaged thunderstorms with rains over Taraba, Kaduna, Katsina, Bauchi, Zamfara, Sokoto and Adamawa.

    “In the North-central region, thunderstorms with rains are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger and Benue during the morning hours.

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Nasarawa, Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger.

    ”In the southern region, morning rains are anticipated over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom,” it said.

    The agency expected rain over the entire region in the afternoon or evening hours.

    According to NiMet, strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution.

    It urged the public to ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision and driving under heavy rain should be avoided.

    “Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

    “Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

    “Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng”.

  • Mokwa flood: Additional bodies recovered as death toll continues to soar

    Mokwa flood: Additional bodies recovered as death toll continues to soar

    The Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has released an update on the devastating flood disaster in Mokwa town, in Mokwa Local government area.

    Dr Ibrahim Hussaini, Overseeing Director General of NSEMA, disclosed this in Minna on Sunday, saying two more dead bodies were recovered late on Saturday under the bridge, bringing the death toll to 153.

    He said that the bodies were buried in the early hours of Sunday.

    Recall the flood incident occurred on Wednesday morning after heavy downpour on Tuesday night which had claimed 153 lives so far with property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

    The flood also washed away part of the Mokwa bridge that links north with southwest leaving motorists and passengers stranded on both sides.

    President Bola Tinubu had sent a federal delegation led by Mohammad Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation to commiserate with Niger government over the incident.

    Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with NSEMA with support from the community were conducting search and rescue operations.