The death toll from the devastating floods in Niger State has surged to 150, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed on Saturday, May 31.

Ibrahim Husseini, NEMA’s spokesperson, disclosed that the sharp rise from the earlier figure of 115 fatalities followed the recovery of bodies nearly 10 kilometres away from Mokwa, the flood’s epicentre.

The floods have left over 3,000 people displaced, destroyed more than 250 homes, and swept away two vital bridges, compounding the tragedy in the affected communities.

President Bola Tinubu has since ordered the activation of the National Emergency Response Centre in Niger State to coordinate relief efforts and provide urgent assistance to victims.

“Some bodies were recovered from the debris of collapsed homes,” Husseini told AFP, stressing the grim reality on the ground.

He further noted that excavation equipment would be necessary for the retrieval of more corpses buried under the rubble.

According to the NEMA spokesman, many individuals remain missing. He cited the case of a family of 12, of whom only four members had been accounted for as of Friday.

The floods continue to wreak havoc across the region, highlighting the urgent need for sustained emergency response and disaster management.