Death toll from Mokwa flood hits 153 as Niger Govt confirms two more bodies

The Niger State Government has announced the recovery of two more bodies following the devastating flood that struck Mokwa Local Government Area on Thursday, 29 May 2025. This development brings the confirmed death toll to 153.

The confirmation was contained in a statement personally signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, and made available to journalists in Minna on Sunday, 1 June 2025.

“As of today, Sunday, 1st June, 2025, search and recovery operations have led to the discovery of two additional corpses, bringing the number of confirmed fatalities to 153,” the statement read.

Alhaji Usman recalled that the flood had already caused significant destruction, including the loss of numerous lives and the devastation of property worth millions of naira. He noted that 151 bodies had earlier been recovered and buried by emergency response teams before the latest discovery.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting affected communities and disclosed that the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in partnership with local authorities and community volunteers, was continuing round-the-clock efforts to deliver relief to those impacted by the disaster.

The SSG acknowledged the widespread grief being experienced by bereaved families and urged the public to show restraint and empathy in their responses, especially online.

“While we share in the pain of every family that has been affected, we urge members of the public to remain calm and sensitive in their communications, particularly on social media and other platforms,” he said.

“This is a time of mourning and collective grief for us as a state. Spreading unverified or sensational information only adds to the sorrow and confusion already being experienced.”

Alhaji Usman also appealed for unity and responsible conduct, encouraging residents to cooperate with relevant agencies to ensure accurate information sharing and effective emergency response.

“We also appeal to the conscience of all Nigerlites to prioritise unity, compassion, and factual reporting during this challenging time,” he added.

He concluded with prayers for the deceased and strength for the grieving families. “I pray that the souls of those who died rest in peace and may the bereaved families have the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.