Over 500 lives lost to disasters in Niger State, NSEMA reveals in sobering new report.
Agency cites explosions, floods, and banditry, pledges faster emergency response and stronger humanitarian coordination statewide.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has revealed that more than 500 lives were lost to various disasters across the state between September 2024 and May 2025.
This was disclosed on Wednesday during a media briefing by the agency’s Director General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, who gave a comprehensive overview of incidents ranging from fuel tanker explosions, road accidents, dynamite blasts, floods, and growing security threats.
Baba-Arah expressed deep sorrow over the rising death toll, assuring that the agency remains committed to providing rapid and coordinated responses to emergencies. He said NSEMA would continue to prioritize the protection of lives and property while strengthening its capacity to respond to future crises.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to families affected by these tragic events. The agency is fully committed to supporting survivors and preventing further loss of life,” he said.
He recalled the tanker explosion in Agaie Local Government Area in September 2024, which claimed 60 lives and injured eight others. NSEMA, in collaboration with first responders and local authorities, quickly conducted search-and-rescue operations and carried out a needs assessment to support victims.
Another major tragedy occurred on January 18, 2025, in the Diko community, where another tanker explosion resulted in the deaths of over 80 people. Emergency teams were immediately deployed to manage the situation, provide aid, and help families begin the recovery process.
In a separate incident, Baba-Arah highlighted the dynamite explosion in the Sabon Pegi area, which led to the loss of lives and extensive property damage. He said the state government stepped in to provide relief materials and financial assistance to affected families.
Most recently, he said, the agency led the response to the destructive flooding in Mokwa, which displaced thousands of residents. NSEMA mobilized resources, coordinated with local authorities, and worked alongside humanitarian partners to provide relief supplies and temporary shelters for displaced individuals.
The Director General also drew attention to the growing threat of armed banditry, particularly in Rijau and Mariga Local Government Areas. He noted that the agency is monitoring the humanitarian crisis unfolding in those areas, describing the situation as “deeply concerning.”
“There are reports that bandits ambushed and killed several soldiers during an attack on a military camp in Niger State,” Baba-Arah said. “In retaliation, the military reportedly neutralised a significant number of the attackers.”
He stressed the need for pre-positioning relief supplies across strategic points in the state to allow quicker response during future emergencies.
Baba-Arah thanked Governor Mohammed Bago for his continued support, along with traditional leaders, community heads, volunteers, and humanitarian organisations. He said their combined efforts were essential to building a more resilient and disaster-ready Niger State.
