NEMA Issues Warning Over Possible Waterborne Disease Outbreak in Mokwa Amid Rising Displacement
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a serious warning about the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases in Mokwa, Niger State, following contamination of local water sources. The agency also cautioned that shelter and food shortages could arise if the number of displaced persons continues to increase.
As of Tuesday evening, official figures indicate that 1,590 people have been displaced, with 3,108 individuals affected by the crisis. Tragically, 160 people have lost their lives, 84 remain missing, and 11 have sustained injuries.
NEMA detailed its ongoing response efforts since the incident occurred on May 29. According to a statement posted on the agency’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle @nemanigeria on Tuesday, various emergency medical and relief operations have been deployed to the affected areas.
“Mobile Intensive Care Ambulances, Rapid Intervention Vehicles, and medical extrication units have been dispatched to support emergency health operations,” NEMA said. “Injured persons were evacuated to nearby health centers and hospitals for immediate treatment.”
To address urgent food needs, the agency mobilized food supplies within 24 hours of the disaster. These were promptly handed over to the NSEMA, the Local Government Chairman, and the Community Head (Sarkin Hausawa Mokwa) for distribution to those affected.
In efforts to provide emergency shelter, mats, blankets, and mattresses—particularly for women and children—were delivered to a school designated by the State Government as a temporary refuge. However, NEMA noted that most displaced individuals have since moved into host communities, seeking shelter with friends and relatives.
Recognizing the critical issue of water contamination, NEMA supplied hand-held water purifiers and water purification tablets to assist households in making drinking water safer.
Despite these efforts, the agency acknowledged significant challenges and gaps in its response. Overcrowding and polluted water sources heighten the risk of disease outbreaks, while access to timely medical attention remains limited due to a shortage of health personnel and medical supplies.
“Pollution of potable water sources remains a major concern, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases,” NEMA explained. “If displacement continues, the demand for hygiene materials and additional water treatment units will grow.”
The agency also expressed concerns about shelter shortages, warning that current supplies may not suffice should the number of displaced households rise further.
On the issue of food security and nutrition, NEMA confirmed that while food items have been deployed to the area, more resources will be required to meet the nutritional needs of the increasing number of displaced persons and casualties.
NEMA’s statement serves as a critical alert to government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and the public to urgently address these growing challenges in Mokwa and prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.