The death toll from the devastating flood that struck Niger State has climbed to 100, according to Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba who visited the affected communities in Mokwa on Friday.

The disaster, which followed a torrential downpour on Wednesday night, has primarily affected Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa areas in Mokwa town, Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.

"I have been briefed by officials from NEMA and NSEMA, who have been on ground since the incident occurred for search and rescue operations. I was told that over 100 people lost their lives and some are yet to be buried as search and rescue operations are still ongoing," Garba told reporters during his visit.

The Deputy Governor's visit was on the directive of Governor Umaru Bago for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. Initial reports had indicated that 21 persons had lost their lives, but the figure has now increased significantly as recovery efforts continue.

Relief Efforts Underway

While addressing victims at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, Garba urged them to exercise patience as the state government works to provide relief materials to those affected by the disaster.

He confirmed that the state government had received relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which have been handed over to the local council chairman for distribution to the victims.

"I will communicate my findings to the governor to secure additional support for those affected," the Deputy Governor assured the displaced residents.

Warning Against Building on Waterways

Garba also used the opportunity to caution residents against building structures on waterways, emphasizing the need to respect natural water pathways to prevent similar disasters in the future.

The flood has destroyed numerous houses in the affected communities, leaving many families homeless and in need of immediate assistance.

Emergency response teams from both the state and federal levels continue to work in the affected areas as the full extent of the disaster is still being assessed.