By Nkechi Eze
At least 100 bodies have been recovered following the catastrophic flood that swept through the Kpege area of Mokwa, Niger State, in the early hours of Thursday. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has mounted a full-scale emergency response, deploying personnel, technical resources, and essential relief items to assist survivors and support ongoing search and rescue operations.
The unprecedented disaster, which affected the Unguwan Hausawa and Tiffin Maza neighbourhoods within Mokwa township, destroyed homes, disrupted livelihoods, and left many residents displaced. In response, NEMA activated its Minna Operations Office and deployed reinforcements from its Headquarters in Abuja, including the Director of Search and Rescue, to bolster efforts on the ground.
Leading the response team during a visit to the disaster site on Friday, 30 May 2025, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, described the tragedy as “a sobering reminder of the growing impact of climate-related events on vulnerable communities.”
“So far, over 100 bodies have been recovered,” Mrs. Umar confirmed. “Our teams are working tirelessly, in collaboration with local and state authorities, to ensure no one is left behind. The priority is saving lives, supporting survivors, and stabilising the situation.”
Rescue teams comprising personnel from NEMA, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross Society, local divers, and volunteers have been instrumental in retrieving trapped individuals and the remains of flood victims. Deployed equipment includes a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance, Rapid Intervention Vehicles, and Mobile Water Treatment and Extrication Units.
Many of the injured received immediate first aid at the scene, while others were transported to health centres in Mokwa for further treatment. All have since been discharged, according to emergency officials.
Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and military Disaster Response Units (DRUs) from the Kainji military formation are also on ground, assisting with crowd control, public safety, and logistical support for the emergency response.
In addition to rescue efforts, NEMA has begun the distribution of critical relief supplies to displaced families. The relief items including food, household utensils, tents, and potable water were formally presented to the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, at the disaster site.
Speaking at the handover, Comrade Garba commended the swift intervention by NEMA and praised the personal involvement of the Director General.
“We deeply appreciate the promptness and coordination of this response,” the Deputy Governor stated. “Mrs. Umar’s presence here today underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to the people of Niger State in this time of grief and uncertainty.”
Emergency teams remain vigilant for potential secondary hazards such as waterborne disease outbreaks and infrastructural collapse. Authorities are urging residents to stay alert and report any unusual developments to NEMA, SEMA, or local security agencies.
Mrs. Umar added that a comprehensive post-disaster assessment would be conducted to inform recovery and reconstruction efforts in the affected communities.
“This is not just about immediate relief,” she said. “We must also think long-term, about rebuilding safer, more resilient communities that can better withstand future shocks.”
