By Nkechi Eze
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the recovery of 151 bodies following devastating floods that swept through the area. The disaster, which has displaced at least 3,018 individuals and affected over 503 households, has also led to significant infrastructural damage and disrupted economic activities in the region.
According to an official situation report released by the NEMA Press Unit at 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, the agency is intensifying rescue operations and relief support in collaboration with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), local government authorities, and traditional leaders. The report noted that 264 houses were damaged while two township roads and bridges were severely affected, hampering vehicular movement and local commerce.
On Saturday, NEMA’s rapid response and recovery team conducted a symbolic distribution of relief materials to flood victims. The items were subsequently handed over to the Mokwa Local Government Authority, SEMA, and the community leader, Sarkin Hausawa, for continued distribution to the affected residents.
“Efforts are ongoing to track and rescue missing persons while ensuring that displaced families receive urgent humanitarian assistance,” the agency stated.
NEMA further disclosed that its mobile water purification units are now in use to provide clean drinking water to the affected communities. Hygiene promotion and public health awareness are being implemented simultaneously to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases, a common aftermath of flood disasters.
The agency also confirmed that all victims initially hospitalized have been treated and discharged, with continued medical monitoring in place to ensure full recovery.
In line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NEMA emphasized that “all hands are on deck to ensure that every necessary support is provided to the town during this trying time,” noting that the situation in Mokwa is gradually stabilizing.
As part of its broader response strategy for the 2025 flood season, NEMA has activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC). The multi-stakeholder platform is tasked with monitoring flood situations, coordinating data collection, verifying information, and mobilizing resources across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The NEOC, which began operations over the weekend, was first deployed to oversee emergency response in Mokwa, underscoring the severity of the disaster and the agency’s proactive approach to managing this year’s flood emergency.
NEMA continues to urge residents in flood-prone areas to adhere strictly to early warning advisories and cooperate with emergency response officials as the rainy season progresses.
