A catastrophic flood that swept through Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State has left a trail of destruction, claiming over 100 lives and displacing hundreds of families.
As of Friday, more than 75 victims had been buried, and over 100 people remain missing in what is being described as one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s recent history.
The deadly incident occurred Wednesday night following an intense downpour that lasted several hours. The resulting floodwaters engulfed homes, swept away buildings, and left communities in ruins.
Local divers, volunteers, and emergency responders continue search-and-rescue operations amid growing fears that the death toll may be far higher than reported.
During a visit to the devastated communities, Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba confirmed the recovery of over 100 corpses.
“Some are yet to be buried as operations are still ongoing,” he stated, assuring displaced residents that relief materials were being mobilised.
Residents shared harrowing stories of loss. Anas Usman lost 17 family members when their home collapsed.
Another, Salihu Ishaq, is searching for his sister and her three children swept away by the floods.
“We’ve buried over 70 people so far. Entire villages have been affected,” he said in tears.
Alhassan Kolo, a teacher in Mokwa, revealed that the bodies of many almajirai (Qur’anic school pupils) had yet to be recovered or counted.
“This flood is beyond imagination. We buried over 40 corpses today alone. Many remain trapped under debris,” he said.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that over 50 homes in Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities were completely washed away, with many of the occupants feared dead.
Governor Mohammed Bago’s spokesperson, Jonathan Vatsa, described the situation as beyond the state’s capacity, calling for urgent Federal Government intervention.
“The flood has destroyed the Tatabu Bridge — our only major link between the North and South-West — worsening the crisis,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the military to intensify rescue and relief efforts.
“Saving lives and providing urgent relief is the government’s top priority,” said Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris.
The Federal Government commended local responders and volunteers, urging residents to heed evacuation directives and cooperate with emergency services.
As the nation mourns, Mokwa remains gripped by grief, with many still digging through rubble in the desperate hope of finding their loved ones.
