[UPDATED] Death Toll from Niger State Floods Climbs to 150 as Tinubu Orders Emergency Response Activation

At least 150 people have now been confirmed dead following devastating floods in Niger State, according to an update from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Saturday.

The agency’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Husseini, revealed the significant jump from the earlier toll of 115, stating that additional bodies were recovered up to 10 kilometers away from Mokwa—the area worst affected by the flooding. The disaster, triggered by torrential rains, has displaced approximately 3,000 people, destroyed over 250 homes, and washed away two key bridges.

President Bola Tinubu, responding to the scale of the tragedy, has ordered the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre. In a statement released overnight, the President said the decision followed a detailed briefing from NEMA on the urgent need to scale up humanitarian aid and relief efforts.

“Some bodies were recovered from the rubble of collapsed structures,” Husseini noted. He added that search efforts are ongoing, and heavy machinery will be required to reach some of the victims. Many remain unaccounted for, including members of a family of 12, of whom only four have been found so far.

The floods, which struck after continuous rainfall from Wednesday into Thursday, submerged numerous homes and swept debris downstream into the Niger River, complicating search and rescue operations.

“This tragic event is a sobering reminder of the dangers of constructing buildings on waterways and the need to keep drainage and river channels clear,” NEMA warned.

President Tinubu expressed his condolences and pledged federal support to all those affected.

“I am deeply saddened by the reports of catastrophic flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones and the thousands who have been displaced,” he said.

He confirmed that emergency relief supplies and temporary shelters are being deployed without delay and assured citizens that no victim would be neglected.

“The Federal Government stands firmly with the people of Niger State. All relevant agencies are working in coordination with the state government to provide a swift, compassionate response that prioritizes saving lives, restoring dignity, and supporting long-term recovery,” Tinubu stated.

He also called on Nigerians to keep the affected communities in their thoughts, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of disaster.

In addition, the President instructed security agencies to assist in emergency operations, while NEMA and the Emergency Response Centre will continue to provide updates and coordinate efforts.