President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate release of ₦2 billion for the reconstruction of homes destroyed by the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the presidential intervention on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the flood-ravaged community. The flood, which struck Mokwa on May 28, claimed over 200 lives, displaced hundreds, and caused widespread destruction to property and infrastructure.
In addition to the ₦2 billion reconstruction fund, President Tinubu also approved the immediate dispatch of 20 truckloads of rice to assist affected families.
“The President’s heart is with the people of Mokwa,” Shettima assured during the visit. He emphasized that President Tinubu has instructed the prompt repair of all damaged bridges in the area and directed the immediate rehabilitation of the town’s drainage systems to prevent future disasters.
Meanwhile, rescue and recovery operations are ongoing. Niger State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ahmad Suleiman, disclosed that over 200 bodies have been recovered so far, with more still unaccounted for
“We are still in the process of recovering bodies,” he said during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. “The exact number of casualties remains uncertain as search efforts continue.”
Suleiman added that the Niger State Government had activated emergency responses and was collaborating with various agencies to distribute relief items to displaced residents sheltered in makeshift camps.
“The damage on the ground is extensive, far worse than what social media reflects,” he said, noting that trucks of rice had already been sent by the state, while the Governor’s wife personally donated ₦50 million to support victims.
Despite these efforts, many victims expressed frustration over the poor condition of the camps and the inadequacy of relief materials. Some displaced persons reported receiving minimal food supplies.
Mama Isah, a victim sheltering with her family, lamented: “We are 17 in my household, but all we got was a loaf of bread and some tea. That can’t even serve as breakfast.”
The flood, one of the deadliest in recent history in Niger State, has renewed calls for long-term infrastructure and climate resilience strategies to protect vulnerable communities across Nigeria
