A devastating flood disaster struck the quiet town of Mokwa in Niger State in the early hours of Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction and tragedy in its wake. At least 21 people have been confirmed dead, while 10 more remain missing after torrential rains unleashed surging floodwaters on the town.
The incident coincided with what should have been a day of celebration—the second anniversary of Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago’s administration. Instead, it turned into a day of mourning as emergency services scrambled to respond to one of the worst natural disasters to hit the region in recent years.
The flood disaster was triggered by a heavy downpour that lasted several hours overnight, overwhelming local waterways and infrastructure. The resulting flash floods tore through two communities in Mokwa town—Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa—submerging homes and washing away entire households.
According to the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abullahi Baba-Arah, over 50 residential houses were destroyed, and several families were displaced.
“NSEMA is in receipt of a report of a deadly flood disaster that ravaged two communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town of Mokwa LGA,” Baba-Arah said in a statement.
“The incident occurred during a torrential rain of very high intensity that lasted several hours. The surging floodwaters submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants.”
In the aftermath of the flood disaster, NSEMA, in collaboration with Mokwa local government authorities, mobilized a search and rescue operation. Divers, emergency workers, and community volunteers braved treacherous conditions to retrieve bodies and save survivors.
As of Thursday evening, 21 bodies had been recovered, and three survivors—a woman and her two children—were rescued and are currently receiving medical care at the Mokwa General Hospital.
“At present, three survivors (a woman and her two children) are receiving treatment for wounds and shock at the Mokwa General Hospital. Over 10 persons are still unaccounted for,” Baba-Arah confirmed.
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He added that the search and rescue operation was ongoing at the time of the report, with hopes of locating the missing or recovering additional bodies. The agency has also begun assessing the scale of property damage and planning for relief efforts to aid the displaced.
The disaster has cast a shadow over Governor Mohammed Bago’s two-year anniversary in office, prompting calls from residents and advocacy groups for the government to prioritize disaster preparedness and climate resilience in its agenda.
Mokwa residents have appealed for immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare services, as many have been rendered homeless and traumatized by the flooding.
Several analysts and local leaders have pointed to poor urban planning, blocked drainage systems, and inadequate flood control infrastructure as major contributors to the severity of the disaster. With climate change causing more extreme weather events, they warn that urgent action is needed to prevent future tragedies of this magnitude.
A Grim Reminder of Nigeria’s Vulnerability to Flood Disasters
This latest flood disaster in Niger State is part of a broader pattern of seasonal flooding that has plagued various parts of Nigeria in recent years. In 2022, over 600 people were killed in widespread flooding across the country, displacing more than 1.3 million and causing billions in property damage.
Despite these recurring disasters, experts argue that disaster risk reduction strategies remain underfunded and poorly implemented. Many communities lack early warning systems, while evacuation plans and emergency shelters are either nonexistent or insufficient.
In light of Thursday’s tragedy, calls are mounting for the federal and state governments to scale up investment in flood prevention, including improved drainage, better housing policies, and robust environmental management.
As search operations continue, humanitarian agencies and NGOs are expected to begin relief distributions in the affected areas. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency is coordinating with partners to provide essential support to those affected.
Meanwhile, the community of Mokwa continues to grieve, with funerals already underway for some of the victims. Survivors and relatives of the missing are left clinging to hope, praying for miracles amid the devastation.
The flood disaster is a sobering reminder of the fragile line between calm and catastrophe, especially in vulnerable regions. As Niger State confronts this tragedy, the need for long-term solutions to climate-driven disasters has never been clearer.
