Governor Umaru Bago, represented by his deputy, Mr. Yakubu Garba, made the disclosure on Tuesday while receiving Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to late Gen. Sani Abacha, who paid a condolence visit to the Government House in Minna.
The Niger State government has revealed that over 700 people are still missing following the catastrophic flooding that recently ravaged Mokwa Community in Mokwa Local Government Area.
Governor Umaru Bago, represented by his deputy, Mr. Yakubu Garba, made the disclosure on Tuesday while receiving Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to late Gen. Sani Abacha, who paid a condolence visit to the Government House in Minna.
“Over 700 persons are still missing and we are yet to ascertain where they are. The flooding has caused extensive damage,” Garba said, highlighting the scale of destruction caused by the disaster.
According to the state government, the floods have so far claimed 207 lives, displaced more than 3000 households, and left a trail of destruction with over 400 homes damaged.
Out of these, 283 houses and 50 shops were completely destroyed.
The governor described the situation as a national disaster, urging continued support from individuals, corporate organisations, and humanitarian agencies.
He also stated that the government is collaborating with professional bodies to investigate the root cause of the flooding and is awaiting the results of a comprehensive assessment.
Earlier, Al-Mustapha commiserated with the government and people of Niger State, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread devastation in Mokwa.
“We are here to register our condolences over the flood incident that happened in Mokwa, looking at the heavy loses and its impact on the state.
“We will meet with the traditional council, especially the chairman in Mokwa, and pray that the incident doesn’t happen again,” he said.
He explained that the visiting delegation was made up of prominent individuals from across the country, who came to express sympathy and offer support to both the state government and the affected communities.
He further stated that the team would engage with the traditional council to explore long-term solutions aimed at preventing future disasters, enhancing town planning, and improving living conditions.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Al-Mustapha and his team also paid a courtesy visit to former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd).Travel guides for Nigeria
Meanwhile, the Governor of Niger State has disclosed that a majority of those affected by the devastating flood in Mokwa town on May 29 were non-indigenes, making up more than 50 per cent of the victims.
The governor made this known on Tuesday while receiving humanitarian aid from Veritas University, Abuja — a Catholic Church-owned institution.
Represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, he said the state government had begun proper documentation of the victims, including collecting their bank account details to enable disbursement of donations from governments and organisations.
Although the total amount donated has not yet been announced by the State Accountant General, the governor assured that each affected family would receive no less than N1 million in relief funds.
Governor Bago also announced that households currently hosting displaced victims would be supported financially as a way to encourage their hospitality
Presenting the relief materials, the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Rev. Fr. Professor Hyacinth Ichoku — represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Rev. Dr. Peter Bakwaph — revealed that some students of the university lost family members in the flood.
He said the institution had donated 150 mattresses, mosquito repellents, and other essential items to support the grieving families.
