The makeshift camps were set up following the flood disaster that displaced thousands, lack basic amenities such as clean water, toilets, and medical supplies. 

Flood victims in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State have raised the alarm over the deplorable conditions of the temporary camps provided for them, describing the facilities as unfit for human habitation.

The makeshift camps were set up following the flood disaster that displaced thousands, lack basic amenities such as clean water, toilets, and medical supplies. 

Many victims who lost homes and property to the flood are now struggling to survive with little assistance.

“Floods have packed everything of our own. They only give us only bread. One bread and one cowbell,” one of the victims lamented to Channels TV.

Another resident said, “We are in pain. You can see our people are suffering. And we are mixed with Nupe people and Hausa people. Please, we need government intervention.”

Volunteers and displaced persons criticised the local government's approach, saying the camps were hastily created without proper facilities. 

“The local government chairman, they created a temporary camp, which the victims feel that it's not conducive for them. So none of them turn up, because there's no toilet, there's no source of water. The only thing I'm seeing they are bringing and sharing for people is bread and soft drink,” a victim said.

Health workers at the site have also complained of a lack of essential medicines. “The drugs we are having are not much. Government should please assist us with some drugs. Because most of the drugs are not available. And the small one we have is not enough,” one of them said.

In response, the acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Hussaini Ibrahim, said efforts are ongoing to meet the needs of those affected. 

“Earlier today, the food items from NEMA were given to them, including the one from the other agencies. And then by this evening, the one from the state government, because the state government is a package. 

“Rice has already gone to them. We have indomie, beers, mattresses, sanitary materials, including sleeping materials, and also red oil and granola, because we have the assessment of water. 

“Because you need to get the total number of who are supposed to be in the camp, and then you multiply them and see what is going to be the ration that is a number of a bag we will be able to provide.”

He added, “We gave primary school a mark for them to come and stay, to go and stay. And the first day, some of them that were not able to go to their neighbours came to that place. The next day, some of them moved out, most of them moved out of that place.”

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed 159 deaths from the flooding, with 3,018 persons affected across 503 households. 

Eleven people sustained injuries, and three bridges were damaged. NEMA said it is continuing to monitor the situation and coordinate relief efforts with relevant agencies.