Members of the House of Representatives from Niger and Kwara States on Wednesday told the green Chamber that the over 600 missing persons in the recent Mokwa flood disaster have been dead.
The lawmakers raised the alarm in a motion of urgent public importance jointly sponsored by Joshua Audu Gana (Niger) and Saba Ahmed Umaru (Kwara).
The lawmakers said the flood as a result of torrential rainfall on May 28 and 29, damaged an old railway embankment, which allowed water to inundate key areas of Mokwa, including commercial centres like Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausaawa
They said with 500 deaths confirmed, more than 600 people remain unaccounted for and are now presumed dead due to the intensity of the disaster.
According to the duo, the flood swept away over 4,000 homes, wounded at least 200 persons, submerged vast farmlands, and destroed critical infrastructure, leaving thousands displaced and in desperate need of humanitarian support.
They expressed worry over the health risks survivors now face, which they fear could trigger cholera, typhoid, and acute watery diarrhea due to contaminated water sources and poor sanitary conditions in overcrowded IDP camps.
“There is growing food insecurity among displaced persons, with children, nursing mothers, and the elderly particularly vulnerable to malnutrition and disease,” Gana warned while leading debate on the motion.
The House observed a minute silence in honour of the victims and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving N2 billion in relief funds through Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The lawmakers acknowledged the N1 billion pledged by the Niger State Governor and donations from NGOs and private individuals.
After the debate, the House urged the Federal Government to urgently improve flood control infrastructure and disaster preparedness in Mokwa and other flood-prone areas in the country.
It also ordered the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to supply relief materials, especially water purification tools, to affected communities to prevent further loss of lives from disease outbreaks.
The House mandated the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation of the resolutions.
