Over 600 persons declared missing in the recent Mokwa flood disaster in Niger State are presumed dead.
This is the submission of members from Niger and Kwara states during plenary on Wednesday at the House of Representatives in a motion of urgent public importance jointly sponsored by Hon. Joshua Audu Gana (Niger) and Hon. Saba Ahmed Umaru (Kwara).
Lawmakers who raised alarm over the scale of devastation caused by the late May 2025 floods that swept through Mokwa and parts of Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, attributed the flood to torrential rainfall on May 28 and 29.
According to the lawmakers, it was further worsened by the collapse of an old railway embankment, which allowed water to flood key areas of Mokwa, including commercial centres like Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa.
The lawmakers said 500 deaths have been confirmed, and more than 600 people remain unaccounted for and are now presumed dead due to the intensity of the disaster.
While leading debate on the motion, Gana expressed concern over the health risks now facing survivors, citing threats of cholera, typhoid, and acute watery diarrhea due to contaminated water sources and poor sanitary conditions in overcrowded IDP camps.
“The flood destroyed over 4,000 homes, injured at least 200 persons, submerged vast farmlands, and disrupted critical infrastructure, leaving thousands displaced and in desperate need of humanitarian support.
“There is growing food insecurity among displaced persons, with children, nursing mothers, and the elderly particularly vulnerable to malnutrition and disease,” he added.
During the session, the House observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving N2 billion in relief funds through Vice President Kashim Shettima.
It also acknowledged the N1 billion pledged by the Niger State Governor and donations from NGOs and private individuals.
Following the debate, the House urged the Federal Government to urgently improve flood control infrastructure and disaster preparedness in Mokwa and other flood-prone areas across the country.
The House also mandated the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to supply relief materials to affected communities, especially water purification tools to prevent further loss of lives from disease outbreaks.
It then mandated the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation of the resolutions.
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