UPDATE: NEMA’s Mokwa Flooding Report Contradicts BBC’s Claim of Over 700 Dead

By Emmanuel Kwada

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has refuted a recent BBC report claiming over 700 deaths in the Mokwa flooding crisis, providing an updated situation report that pegs the death toll at 159 as of June 2, 2025.

The floods, which struck Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) in Niger State on May 29, 2025, have been classified as a high-severity disaster, affecting 3,018 people, displacing 1,590, injuring 11, and leaving 98 missing, resulting in a total of 165 casualties.

NEMA’s report directly contradicts the BBC’s figure, emphasizing that while the disaster’s impact is severe, the agency’s data is based on verified on-ground assessments.

 3,018 people affected, displacing 1,590, injuring 11, and leaving 98 missing, resulting in a total of 165 casualties

The flooding has caused extensive infrastructure damage, affecting two roads, 265 buildings (both commercial and residential), and three bridges in areas like Goodwill, Raba, and College of Education. Additionally, 88 farm plots were destroyed, posing a significant threat to local agriculture.

Amid the crisis, NEMA has intensified relief efforts. All hospitalized victims have been discharged, and the agency is actively distributing relief materials to support affected communities.

Safe drinking water supply has been sustained to prevent health risks, while traffic congestion due to damaged bridges is being managed to facilitate access for relief operations.

NEMA continues to work with local authorities and stakeholders to mitigate further impacts, urging residents to report concerns via the toll-free line 0800CALLNEMA (080022556362) or through official channels: info@nema.gov.ng, www.nema.gov.ng, or @nemanigeria on social media.

As recovery efforts progress, NEMA remains dedicated to helping Mokwa residents rebuild, while calling for accurate reporting to avoid misinformation during this critical time.

Read Also: Mokwa Flooding: 151 Dead, Over 3,000 Displaced as NEMA Intensifies Relief Efforts