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Stranded motorists at Mokwa bridge
By RITA ILIYA
Motorists are currently stranded as part of the bridge at Mokwa linking the North and Southwestern part of the country collapsed due to flooding in Niger state, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
The bridge collapsed on Wednesday after a heavy downfall on Tuesday night.
Government agencies’ report have it that no fewer than 100 persons have lost their lives with property worth millions of Naira destroyed as a result of the flood.
It was when the flood subsided that it was noticed that the bridge had collapsed.
One of the motorists, Awual Mohammed, told NAN that many motorists have been stranded since Thursday on both sides of the bridge, whichh made it impossible for motorists to continue with their journey.
“If the bridge is not fixed immediately, it will disrupt trade activities between the North and Southwest regions,” he said.
He called on the authorities to urgently repair the bridge and provide alternative solutions to mitigate the impact of future floods.
Meanwhile, Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who visited the community, confirmed that over 100 bodies had been recovered from the floods.
“The agency has confirmed 100 dead bodies have been recovered and search rescue operation is still ongoing.
“We need to keep our waterways clear, and it is very important that we do that. Our town planners also need to live up to expectations,” she said.
She said NEMA officials had been on the ground since Thursday, assisting with search and rescue operations.
Umar said the agency provided food and non-food items, including rice, blankets, and mats, handed over to the state government through the Deputy Governor, Mr Yakubu Garba.
She said 11 people were admitted in the hospital, out of which 10 had been discharged and one woman who recently gave birth was still receiving treatment.
She added that search and rescue operation was ongoing, with NEMA officials working to clear debris and recover more bodies.
According to her, NEMA is working with the Red Cross and Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to support the affected community. (NAN)
