- Niger State Flood: Death Toll Reaches 151, Over 3,000 Displaced
- Tinubu Acts Fast: Emergency Response Centre activated, relief efforts and federal support underway.
- Food Prices May Spike: Stranded trailers raise fears of shortages in the Southwest.
The death toll of Wednesday night’s destructive rain and the resultant flood that swept away the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State has risen to 151.
While the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed this, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre to cater for the displaced persons whose number was 3,018.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that hundreds of trailers laden with pepper, tomatoes, onions, yams, potatoes, rams, goats and cows remained stuck at the Mokwa end of the bridge on Saturday.
Subsequently, this has sparked anxiety about a possible sharp increase in prices of those items in the Southwest.
The Spokesman of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Audu Husseini, also confirmed that the death toll had now reached 151.
Husseini, who said a total of 503 households were affected and 265 physical houses damaged or washed away, added that 3,018 people were displaced at the last count.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has directed the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre after receiving reports on the scale of the disaster.
He expressed grief over the incident and promised a swift and compassionate federal response to support the affected communities.
The President said, “Upon receiving initial reports, I immediately directed the activation of the National Emergency Response Centre.
“I have also been briefed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the scale of the disaster and the urgent humanitarian needs.
“Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilised to support the state government’s efforts.
“Relief materials and temporary shelter assistance are being deployed without delay. We will ensure that no Nigerian affected by this disaster is left behind or unheard of.
“I assure all those impacted that your government stands with you. We will continue to coordinate with the Niger State Government to ensure a swift, coordinated and compassionate response, one that prioritises lives, restores dignity and accelerates recovery.
“I call on all Nigerians to keep our fellow citizens in Mokwa in our thoughts and prayers. In times of adversity, we draw strength from our unity, resilience and shared humanity.
“I have also directed our security agencies to assist in the emergency efforts while NEMA and the National Emergency Response Centre have been tasked with coordination and providing updates as necessary.”
Tinubu also dispatched a high power delegation led by Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris to the state.
Also on the delegation was Minister, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda
The team was received by the Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba on behalf of Governor Mohammed Bago.
Idris said the President was personally saddened by the disaster and had directed that every available government resource be deployed to assist the state.
The Minister of Information said, “President Tinubu has activated every government agencies to ensure what needed to be done is done.”
Idris, who said the situation should be regarded by the people as a “warning against future occurrence,” added that “Those living in those areas need to be properly educated.
“In that direction, President Tinubu has also asked the National Orientation Agency to immediately embark on a campaign around the community and other communities across the country to sensitise the people on the dangers of living in areas that are prone to such disaster.
“The agency is also to enlighten and educate them on steps to be taken in the event that such a disaster occurs again.”
Also speaking, Yilwatda said, “Nigerians stand by you, our hearts and prayers are with you at this difficult moment.
“We will review activities carried out so far and work with the Refugees Commission and see the kind of support we can give to displaced communities; we will see how we can support them especially farmers whose farms have been washed away.
“We will try to restore livelihoods of the people who have lost their means of livelihoods; we will also look at details of areas of needs and go back to the President and see what further support can be provided.”
In his response Garba, appreciated Tinubu and the delegation, describing their visit as timely.
The Deputy Governor further solicited an emergency camp for the displaced persons.
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