From Samson Alfa, Minna
Following the May 28 flood that ravaged three communities of Tiffin Maza, Angwa Hausawa, and Raba in Mokwa town, Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State, over 700 persons are still missing.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, disclosed this yesterday when he received former Chief Security Officer to late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha ,Retd, Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha , Retd, who led a delegation on condolence visit to Bago in Minna over the recent flood incident in Mokwa.
Bago, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, also disclosed that 207 people had been confirmed dead and over 3,000 households displaced.
“Over 700 persons are still missing and we are yet to ascertain where they are. The flooding has caused extensive damage”, he said.
He noted that the flood caused extensive damage with 400 houses damaged while 283 houses and 50 shops were completely destroyed.
He appreciated individuals and corporate organisations for their donations and contributions noting that the incident was a national disaster.
According to him, the state government was working with professional organisations to determine the root cause of the flood and was awaiting assessment results.
Earlier, Al-Mustapha said the visit was to sympathise with Niger government and the people of Mokwa following the devastating flood incident.
“We are here to register our condolences over the flood incident that happened in Mokwa, looking at the heavy loses and its impact on the state
“We will meet with the traditional council, especially the chairman in Mokwa, and pray that the incident doesn’t happen again”, he said.
He noted that the delegation comprised of influential individuals from different parts of the country aimed to offer sympathy and support to the state government and affected communities.
He added that the delegation would meet with traditional council with a focus of finding ways to prevent similar incidents in the future and to improve town planning and living conditions.
Besides, Al-Mustapha and his delegation had earlier paid a visit to former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, at his Hill To residence, Minna
