Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, on Friday confirmed that the recent flood disaster in the state has claimed no less than 115 persons.
It could be recalled that flood that ravaged Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger on Thursday.
Many people were reported to have died and hundreds displaced.
The Public Relations Officer of NSEMA, Ibrahim Hussaini, who spoke on behalf of the Director General, Ibrahim Baba Arah, confirmed that so far the agency's search and rescue team had recovered a total of 115 bodies.
"Contrary to what is on social media, we have recovered 115 bodies. The search and rescue operation is still ongoing," he said.
Reacting earlier, the Federal Government expressed profound sorrow over the devastating flood disaster.
In a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government said its thoughts and prayers were with the bereaved families and all those affected by the tragic incident.
"His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been fully briefed on the situation and has directed all relevant emergency and security agencies to intensify ongoing search and rescue operations," the statement added.
"The immediate priority of the Federal Government is to save lives and provide urgent relief to survivors.
"The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Niger State Government, is working round the clock to ensure that no effort is spared in bringing help to those in need," he stated.