Niger floods: Death toll rises to 153 after two more bodies recovered

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has updated the death toll from the devastating flood disaster in Mokwa town, Mokwa Local Government Area, to 153.

According to Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, Overseeing Director General of NSEMA, two more bodies were recovered under the bridge on Saturday, bringing the total number of fatalities to 153. The bodies were subsequently buried in the early hours of Sunday.

The flood disaster occurred on Wednesday morning after a heavy downpour on Tuesday night, resulting in significant destruction of property worth millions of Naira.

The floodwaters also washed away part of the Mokwa bridge, a critical link between the north and southwest regions, leaving motorists and passengers stranded on both sides.

In response to the disaster, President Bola Tinubu dispatched a federal delegation led by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris, to commiserate with the Niger state government over the incident.

Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and NSEMA, with support from the local community,  were conducting search and rescue operations to assist those affected by the flood.

The situation remains dire, with many still displaced and in need of assistance.