Tragedy in Mokwa: Flood Claims Over 60 Lives, Dozens Still Missing

A devastating flood has swept through Mokwa town in Niger State, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak. The disaster, triggered by a heavy downpour on Wednesday night, has claimed the lives of at least 60 residents, with many more, including over 50 Quranic school pupils (almajirai), still unaccounted for.

Among the hardest hit is the family of Hajiya Hassana Mokwa, who lost 12 of her brother’s 13 family members. “Only one survived and is currently in the hospital,” she said, adding that pupils from a Quranic school owned by their cousin also perished as the building was completely submerged.

Eyewitnesses reported that a pregnant woman’s body was recovered, while four of her children remain missing. Another local, Mallam Hamza Mahmud, confirmed that two bodies from his family were found, while three remain unaccounted for. Residents say the total number of fatalities could surpass 60.

The flood, which submerged entire buildings including a one-storey residential house, has left much of Mokwa town in ruins. Access roads have been washed away, cutting off major travel routes between northern and southern Nigeria and leaving travelers stranded.

Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area, Jibril Abdullahi Muregi, confirmed 15 bodies had been recovered by Thursday noon and disclosed that several survivors are being sheltered in local primary schools. “People are traumatised. We need urgent medical and humanitarian aid,” he said.

The State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported that 21 bodies were recovered, with over 50 houses destroyed. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the affected communities—Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa.

Governor Mohammed Bago expressed his condolences, calling the incident “heartbreaking and saddening.” He has directed emergency responders to provide immediate support to the victims.

Meanwhile, the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) described the flooding as “catastrophic” and pledged support for affected families. The agency called on stakeholders to act swiftly and provide relief materials.

Experts are urging preventive measures to avoid future disasters. Dr. Sadeeq Abubakar Mohammed, an agricultural engineer and national president of the Association of Nigerian Inventors, emphasized the need for flood control infrastructure such as dams, dykes, and improved drainage. He warned that continued inaction could trigger a wider food crisis.

“This is no longer a local issue. It’s a humanitarian and developmental emergency,” Dr. Sadeeq said.

A History of Neglect

Mokwa is no stranger to flooding. In April 2025, the town lost over 10,000 hectares of rice farms due to water released from the Jebba Hydroelectric Dam. In 2024 alone, more than 41,000 residents across Niger State were affected by floods, with Mokwa among the worst-hit.

Despite repeated disasters, many victims say they’ve received little to no assistance. Community leaders have called on government agencies to communicate warnings in local languages and partner with grassroots organizations to improve response efforts.

Erosion has worsened the town's vulnerability. Residents say Anguwan Hausawa and Efu Abebe areas have been particularly affected. “Floodwaters used these erosion channels to invade our homes,” said resident MD Tswata Mai Rubutu.

With the rainy season intensifying, locals fear more tragedies unless urgent steps are taken.

Source
Daily Trust

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