The Niger State Government has revealed that more than 700 people remain missing in the aftermath of the devastating flood that recently struck Mokwa town, the headquarters of Mokwa Local Government Area.

Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, representing Governor Umaru Bago, disclosed this information on Tuesday in Minna while receiving a condolence delegation led by Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

Scale of the Disaster

According to official figures, 207 deaths have been confirmed so far, with the disaster displacing over 3,000 households. The flood's destructive force damaged approximately 400 houses, while completely destroying 283 homes and 50 shops.

Governor Bago described the incident as a "national disaster" and stated that the government is working with professional bodies to investigate the root cause of the flooding. Assessment reports are still pending.

Relief Efforts Underway

In a related development, Governor Bago revealed that over 50 percent of the victims were non-indigenes. The state government is currently documenting affected individuals, including collecting bank details to facilitate cash disbursements from donated funds.

While the total amount of donations has yet to be disclosed by the state's Accountant General, each affected family is expected to receive no less than N1 million. The government also plans to support host families who are accommodating displaced victims.

Veritas University, Abuja, has contributed to relief efforts by donating 150 mattresses, mosquito repellents, and other essential supplies. The university delegation, led by Rev. Dr. Peter Bakwaph on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, noted that some of their students had lost family members in the disaster.

Major Al-Mustapha, who led a group of sympathizers from across the country, expressed condolences and stated that his delegation would explore ways to prevent similar occurrences in the future. He mentioned that they would also meet with the traditional council in Mokwa.

The May 29 flood has had far-reaching consequences for the community, with search and rescue operations continuing for the hundreds still unaccounted for.

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