Residents of Niger State Battle Stench from Decaying Corpses After Flood
Nearly two weeks after deadly floods in Mokwa, Niger State, residents face a health crisis due to the stench of decaying corpses. Approximately 200 people drowned, with over 50 homes destroyed, and the community is struggling for support. Both the Federal and State governments have pledged significant funds for rehabilitation and are responding to the needs of displaced families.
In the wake of the horrific floods that struck Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State about two weeks ago, the local community is grappling with an unbearable stench that hangs over the town. This smell, they believe, is emanating from the decaying corpses of victims still trapped beneath the debris. Residents have voiced their deep concerns about the health implications of this situation as they continue to recover from the floods.
On the tragic days of May 28 and 29, reports indicated that around 200 individuals lost their lives due to drowning as heavy rains unleashed a torrent that inundated the area. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported that over 50 homes were destroyed, displacing thousands and leaving local families struggling to cope with the aftermath. The official tally of recovered bodies stands at 161, yet many more are likely still unaccounted for.
After the floodwaters receded, residents expressed distress over the smell permeating the air. Esther Nwanosike, who runs a food stall, lamented about the stench affecting her business. “The smell is overwhelming, and I am concerned about the potential health implications. My customers have complained about the odor; it’s difficult for them to breathe,” she told The PUNCH during a visit.
Another local, Alhassan Kolo, shared similar sentiments, stating that some of the recovered bodies have become unrecognizable due to decomposition. “As we dig through the sand, we discover property and corpses. It makes the situation even more traumatic for us,” he noted.
Residents are pleading with the government for urgent action to address the health crisis posed by the stench. Ahmed Yusuf expressed grief over the many missing persons and emphasized the need for swift government intervention to recover the remaining victims. “This is not just about the smell; it is about honoring those who lost their lives,” he remarked.
Community member Salihu Ishaq also voiced concerns regarding the internally displaced persons camps set up by the government. “Since I was born, I have never seen a flood like this. Many families have lost everything. We need government assistance urgently,” he explained, citing the personal losses suffered by many in Mokwa.
In light of the tragedy, the Federal Government has pledged a significant response, with Vice President Kashim Shettima announcing a N2 billion fund for rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, the Niger State Government has committed N1 billion to support the affected residents. Amina Abubakar, who lost family members, appealed for immediate help, stating, “The government must act quickly; many are still searching for missing loved ones.”
Idris Ibrahim, Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health, reassured the public that the government is aware of the issue and is taking steps to resolve it. There is an active prevention control team working around the clock to deal with the lingering stench, he noted.
Meanwhile, NSEMA’s Director General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the death toll and emphasized ongoing recovery efforts. “The last update indicates 161 confirmed dead, but we are still searching for more,” he said.
Addressing the odor, NEMA’s spokesperson, Manzo Ezekiel, revealed that the odor could be a mix of decomposing bodies and waste exposed by the floods, creating a greater health risk for residents. Governor Mohammed Bago suggested that the floodwaters may have originated from neighboring countries, complicating the situation further. Bago highlighted a need to relocate populations in vulnerable areas to mitigate future disasters.
With community members still mourning their losses, there is a palpable sense of urgency for the government to respond effectively to the crisis. Local people are hoping for swift action to address their health concerns and offer rehabilitation support for affected families.
The Mokwa community in Niger State is enduring a distressing aftermath of recent devastating floods, with residents grappling with a lingering and hazardous stench from unburied corpses. The local government has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and is mobilizing resources for recovery efforts. With thousands displaced and many unaccounted for, the humanitarian response has become critical. Both the Federal and State governments are stepping up commitments, highlighting the urgency of addressing health and housing concerns in the affected areas.
Original Source: punchng.com
