A devastating flood in Niger State has resulted in the deaths of twelve family members in Mokwa, with reports indicating that over 50 almajirai are still missing. The disaster struck late Wednesday night after heavy rainfall inundated the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities.
While the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed 21 fatalities, local accounts suggest the death toll may exceed 60, with many victims being children and women. Among the deceased was a student identified as Binta, who was visiting during her holidays.
Residents reported horrific scenes, including entire families swept away and homes completely submerged. Hajiya Hassana Mokwa shared that only one member of her brother’s family survived out of thirteen.
The flood also disrupted transportation, cutting off the main road connecting northern and southern Nigeria, leaving many travelers stranded.
Local officials, including Mokwa’s chairman, Jibril Abdullahi Muregi, indicated that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with over 50 homes reported destroyed. The governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, expressed condolences and directed emergency services to assist those affected.
Experts are calling for immediate infrastructure improvements, such as dams and drainage systems, to prevent future disasters. The flooding in Mokwa highlights a long history of erosion and flooding issues in the region, with residents expressing frustration over inadequate government response to past incidents.
