…As death toll rises to 151
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Saturday led a Federal Government delegation to Niger State on a condolence visit over the recent flood disaster in Mokwa.
Over 150 lives were said to have been lost to the flood, while hundreds of homes submerged by the flood.
The Minister was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian and Poverty reduction, Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
Idris said the visit was at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is saddened by the incident.
He said the president has directed that every necessary thing must be done to quickly bring succour to the people.
He said the president lamented the situation and directed that the issue should be looked into to prevent future occurrences.
NEMA has also been directed to enlighten and educate those living close to the flood prone areas around the country.
The Minister noted that President Tinubu is deeply saddened by the tragic incident and stands in solidarity with all those affected.
“We are here on the directive of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to come and see the people of Niger State particularly the Governor and officials of the state government to commiserate with you; to sympathize and empathize with you on what has happened in Mokwa Local Government Area.
“Mr. President is personally saddened by this and yesterday he directed that every available resources of the Federal Government should be deployed to Mokwa and that’s why you are seeing me in the company of my brother, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affair,” he said.
He stated that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has already carried out a comprehensive assessment of the situation and has mobilized its resources to deliver immediate relief and support to the affected communities.
“We are aware that they (NEMA) have been collaborating with the state government to ensure seamless operations. They also ensured that those who have lost their lives; the bodies are respectfully recovered; those who have sustained various degrees of injuries are attended to and every requirement that the government needs to put together are in place to ensure succour is being provided for those our brothers and sisters in Mokwa,” he stated.
Mr. Idris stated that the President expressed deep concern over the scale of the disaster, particularly as it comes barely a year after a similar incident caused widespread devastation in several communities across Niger State.
He noted that the government is working diligently to ensure that, in the event of similar occurrences in the future, adequate measures and preparedness are in place to effectively mitigate their impact.
The Minister stated that the President has also directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to collaborate with state governments across the country to intensify public sensitization efforts, particularly in communities situated around flood plains, to ensure residents heed early warning signs and take appropriate preventive measures.
“This is also a call to our people to take this as a warning against future occurrence, especially all those living around the areas where this kind of disaster is prone to happen,” he stated.
Idris also commended the Niger State Government and its agencies for its swift response to the disaster.
In his remarks, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Yilwatda, said the government is looking at areas of additional support for the displaced persons.
He stated that the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons has been directed to take over from NEMA in providing continued care and support to those displaced by the disaster.
The Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garuba who received the delegation on behalf of the governor who is away on Hajj called for Government intervention
Garba in his breakdown of the situation said 151 lives were lost while eleven people were injured and are receiving treatments in hospital.
Garba said 3018 persons have been Displaced as a result of the flooding.
He also said 503 households were equally affected while 265 houses were affected.
The Deputy Governor also said that three communities were affected with two within Mokwa town.
He said the state government has sent in 6,000 bags of rice to the victims.
He therefore urged the Federal Government and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aide of the people.
He also urged the Federal Government to help with provision of adequate camps for the displaced person, saying that the current place is not conducive for the people.
The death toll of the victims of the Mokwa flood has risen to 151 with 503 affected households and 265 physical houses affected, Nigeria State government told the federal government.
According to the Niger state Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the flash flood affected three communities, swept off two major roads and three bridges.
The Deputy Governor requested for an emergency temporary camp for the displaced persons stating that the camp currently used is not habitable in any way stating that support in cash and in kind will go a long way to address the challenges faced by the affected people.
He disclosed that a dedicated account has been set up for the victims affected by the flood stating that no money should be paid into any private account calling for assistance.
Yakubu also said that everyone living in the flood planes have been directed to vacate in order to prevent future incidents like the Mokwa flood disaster.
