About 117 bodies have been recovered and given mass burial at the Mokwa burial ground following the devastating flood at Kpege area of Mokwa in Niger State on Thursday.
Our correspondent gathered yesterday that apart from 40 Islamiya pupils’ bodies recovered from Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town, the surrounding villages of Ya Gbagba and Raba were affected and bodies of some villagers were washed down to Mokwa.
A resident of the area, Mohammed Salihu, told LEADERSHIP Weekend that they had buried 117 bodies as at Friday afternoon while search was still on because more people had been declared missing.
The director-general, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, however, confirmed that from their records, 117 bodies were recovered as search and rescue continued.
Arah who spoke through the public relations officer of the agency, Ibrahim Hussain, told LEADERSHIP Weekend that contrary to various figures quoted on some media, they had a record of 115 bodies so far recovered and would continue to give updates.
Also yesterday, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) saidt more than 100 bodies were recovered.
The tragic toll was confirmed during an on-site assessment carried out yesterday by a high-level NEMA delegation led by the director- general, Mrs. Zubaida Umar.
The DG said search and rescue operations remained ongoing, with emergency responders racing against time to locate survivors and provide relief for displaced residents.
According to a statement signed by the NEMA director general, the flood, described as “unprecedented,” has left a trail of destruction, claiming numerous lives, damaging homes, and disrupting livelihoods across affected communities.
“In the course of our assessment today (Friday), no fewer than 117 bodies have so far been recovered,” Umar said, noting that rescue teams continued to search through the debris and floodwaters for missing persons.
The worst-hit areas have been identified as Unguwan Hausawa and Tiffin Maza, both densely populated neighbourhoods within Mokwa township. Many of the deceased are believed to have been swept away while attempting to flee their homes as waters rapidly inundated the area.
In response to the disaster, NEMA has activated its Minna operations office and deployed additional technical personnel and equipment from its headquarters in Abuja to reinforce local efforts.
The agency’s deployment includes a mobile intensive care ambulance, rapid intervention vehicles, mobile water treatment units, and extrication equipment.
Search and rescue efforts are being carried out by a coordinated team of responders, including personnel from NEMA, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross Society, local volunteers, and professional divers. Security agencies — including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and military disaster response units from the nearby Kainji military formation, have also been mobilised to ensure the safety of both survivors and responders.
Umar praised the unwavering commitment of all those involved in the rescue efforts.
“It is important to commend the tireless efforts of rescue teams for their dedication in rescuing trapped individuals and recovering the bodies of those who drowned,” she said.
Some injured victims who were evacuated to health centres in Mokwa have reportedly been treated and discharged, while others received immediate first aid at the scene.
Beyond rescue efforts, NEMA has begun the distribution of emergency relief materials to provide immediate succour to those displaced. Assorted food items, household utensils, tents for temporary shelter, and clean water from mobile treatment units are being provided to affected communities.
The relief supplies were officially presented to the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, at the disaster site. The deputy governor expressed gratitude to NEMA for its swift and comprehensive response, and particularly acknowledged the personal presence of the director general.
“This visit by the DG of NEMA and the agency’s prompt intervention is deeply appreciated. It underscores a compassionate and coordinated approach to emergency response,” Garba said.
NEMA assured the public that its teams will remain on the ground until all immediate needs are met and a post-disaster assessment is concluded to guide recovery and reconstruction efforts. The agency is also monitoring the situation for potential secondary hazards, such as waterborne disease outbreaks or structural collapses.
Mrs. Umar urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency services.
“We advise members of the public to report any emergencies or unusual developments to NEMA, SEMA, or security operatives in the area. Community safety remains our top priority,” she added.
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