More than 200 bodies have been recovered following catastrophic floods that devastated Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State, according to the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ahmad Suleiman.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Suleiman said the true toll of the disaster remains uncertain as recovery efforts continue.
“We have more than 200 casualties or corpses but we are still looking for more,” the commissioner stated. “Nobody can tell you the number of casualties in Niger State right now because up till now, we are still looking for some corpses.”
In response to the disaster, the administration of Governor Umar Bago has launched emergency measures and distributed relief materials to displaced victims sheltering in makeshift camps. Suleiman noted that truckloads of rice have been sent and that the governor’s wife personally visited the area, donating ₦50 million in support.
“There are lots of contributions from various agencies and ministries. The damage on ground now, you cannot get it on social media except a visit to the scenes,” he added.
However, conditions at the camps and the management of relief efforts have sparked outrage among victims.
On-site reports reveal widespread dissatisfaction over inadequate food supplies and the poor state of the camps. Victims accused relief officials of using them for photo ops without delivering promised aid.
Mama Isah, one of the displaced residents, described the dire situation:
“We are 17 people in my household, but we were only given one loaf of bread and some tea. How can that be enough for even our breakfast?”
She called on the government to allow private individuals and organizations to provide direct support without obstruction or diversion.
Community volunteer Hussaini Muhammed criticized the shelters, saying they were “unsuitable for human habitation.”
As recovery efforts persist, survivors are pleading for transparency, dignity, and immediate action to improve their living conditions.
What you should know
Deadly floods in Niger State have claimed over 200 lives, with recovery efforts still ongoing.
While the state government has activated relief operations, displaced victims in camps are voicing strong concerns over poor treatment, inadequate food, and inhumane shelter conditions.
