A devastating flood has hit Mokwa town, the headquarters of Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State, leaving many feared dead and several others missing.
The disaster, which struck on Wednesday night, followed a heavy and prolonged downpour that lasted several hours. Residents say the rain caused massive flooding that submerged homes, swept away people in their sleep, and destroyed property worth millions of naira.
Although the exact number of casualties is still unknown, local sources estimate that more than 50 people may have died, with several bodies already recovered. Many others, including women and children, remain unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue.
Mohammed Usman, a resident of Mokwa, said, “Some bodies have been found, but many people are still missing. Entire houses have been washed away. It’s a tragedy we never expected.”
The flood has also cut off the major road that links the northern and southern parts of Nigeria through Mokwa, causing serious disruption to movement and transportation in the region. The town is known as a key transit point connecting different parts of the country.
The Director of Information and Special Duties at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Dr. Ibrahim Audu Hussaini, confirmed the incident. He stated that the agency is still assessing the extent of the damage and will release detailed information soon.
“We are gathering reports from our field officers. It is a very serious situation, and we are doing our best to coordinate rescue and relief efforts,” Dr. Hussaini said.
Flooding is a recurring issue in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season. Experts have long warned about poor drainage systems, deforestation, and unregulated urban development contributing to frequent flood disasters.
Mokwa’s latest tragedy highlights the urgent need for better infrastructure and early warning systems to prevent such large-scale loss of lives and property.
As of press time, emergency workers and volunteers were still searching for survivors, while affected families count their losses and await help from government agencies.
