At least 150 people have died in serious flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as of Saturday, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.
Ibrahim Husseini, a spokesman for NEMA, said more bodies were found far from the main flood area. “Some bodies were recovered from the debris of collapsed homes,” he said. “Others were found almost 10 kilometres away, washed downstream by the flood.”
The flood, caused by heavy rain on Wednesday and Thursday, destroyed over 250 homes and swept away two bridges. More than 3,000 people have been displaced from their homes.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement overnight, said he was deeply concerned about the situation. “I have received with deep concern the distressing reports of severe flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, which has resulted in the tragic loss of lives and the displacement of families,” he said.
He added that he had ordered the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre to help victims quickly.
President Tinubu said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) briefed him on the seriousness of the disaster and the urgent need to assist victims. He assured Nigerians that help was on the way.
“Relief materials and temporary shelter assistance are being deployed without delay,” he said. “We will ensure that no Nigerian affected by this disaster is left behind or unheard of.”
NEMA also warned that the flooding showed the dangers of building on water paths and blocking drainage systems. “This tragic incident serves as a timely reminder of the dangers associated with building on waterways and the critical importance of keeping drainage channels and river paths clear,” the agency said in a statement.
Many victims are still missing. Husseini gave an example of one family of 12, where only four people have been found so far. “Our teams need excavators to retrieve some of the bodies buried under mud and broken buildings,” he added.
Local residents are devastated. “We don’t have anywhere again to go to,” one of them said, after the flood washed away her home.
President Tinubu called on all Nigerians to pray for the people of Mokwa. “I assure all those impacted that your government stands with you,” he said. “We will continue to coordinate with the Niger State Government to ensure a swift, coordinated, and compassionate response, one that prioritises lives, restores dignity and accelerates recovery.”
He also directed the military and other security agencies to support the emergency teams on the ground.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and the government has promised regular updates.
