A heavy flood that hit Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State has killed over 100 people, left more than 100 missing, and destroyed many homes.
The disaster happened on Wednesday night after several hours of heavy rain. Water rushed through communities, sweeping away houses, people, and belongings.
So far, 75 people have been buried, including 44 on Friday and 31 earlier in the week. Many bodies are still being found.
Niger State Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, visited Mokwa on Friday. He confirmed the number of deaths and said rescue operations are ongoing.
“I have been briefed by officials from NEMA and NSEMA. I was told that over 100 people lost their lives. Some have yet to be buried,” he said.
He urged victims at an IDP camp to be patient, assuring them that help was on the way. Relief materials from NEMA have already been handed over to the local council.
The Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, said her team is on ground, helping with rescue work.
One survivor, Anas Usman, said he lost 17 members of his family.
“We were preparing to go to the farm in the morning when our house was suddenly submerged by floods. We lost children, women and men,” he said.
Another resident, Salihu Ishaq, shared his pain: “My sister and her three children were swept away. Their bodies have not been found.”
He added, “Today alone, we buried over 40 corpses. More than 100 people are still missing. The flood washed away over 50 houses.”
A teacher, Alhassan Kolo, said the real number of deaths could be much higher. “Even the corpses of the almajirai haven’t been counted. There are still bodies under collapsed buildings,” he told *Saturday PUNCH*.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Baba-Arah, said two communities, Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, were the worst hit.
“So far, 21 corpses have been recovered, while 10 persons remain missing. Three survivors are in hospital,” he said.
Jonathan Vatsa, media aide to Governor Mohammed Bago, said the flood also destroyed the Ilorin road, which connects the North to the South-West.
“This is a disaster beyond what the state can handle. The Tatabu Bridge has collapsed. We need the Federal Government’s help,” he said.
He added, “In the last 30 to 40 years, residents of Mokwa have never seen anything like this. The entire state is in mourning.”
Flooding has continued to affect Nigeria in recent years. In 2022, over 600 people died and about 1.3 million were displaced across the country.
Reacting to the latest incident, President Bola Tinubu has ordered stronger rescue and relief efforts. His message was shared by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
“The immediate priority of the Federal Government is to save lives and provide urgent relief to survivors. NEMA, the Armed Forces, and the Niger State Government are working round the clock,” Idris said.
He praised first responders and volunteers for their courage and quick action.
“We urge residents in affected areas to follow all evacuation instructions,” he added.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. Nigeria stands united in grief and support.”
