Non-Indigenes Worst Hit by Mokwa Flood – Niger Deputy Governor
Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has revealed that non-indigenous residents were the most affected by the devastating flood that struck Mokwa approximately three weeks ago. The disaster claimed over 200 lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira.
Speaking in Minna during a condolence visit from representatives of Veritas University, Abuja, Garba described the incident as not just a tragedy for the state but a national calamity.
“While final figures are still being compiled, preliminary reports suggest that a majority of the victims were non-indigenes, including individuals of Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa descent. The far-reaching impact across different ethnic groups underscores why we see this as a national tragedy,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor acknowledged the immense scale of destruction and noted that efforts to rebuild and resettle the displaced may take more than a year to complete.
He also expressed appreciation to Veritas University for its donation to the state’s relief fund, set up to support victims of the flood.
On a separate note, Garba condemned the recent killings in Benue State, where over 100 people were reportedly murdered, calling the incident “an act of sheer wickedness.”
“Unlike the Mokwa flood, which was a natural disaster, the Benue killings are a result of deliberate human cruelty. I call on faith-based organizations across Nigeria to pray for the souls of the victims and for lasting peace in Benue,” he said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Reverend Professor Hycenth Ichoku—represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Reverend Dr. Peter Bakwaph—disclosed that some families of the institution’s students were directly affected by the Mokwa disaster.
He described the incident as deeply distressing and urged individuals and organizations to provide support to affected communities. To aid in relief efforts, Veritas University donated 150 mattresses, mosquito nets, torchlights, and water treatment supplies.
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