Niger State Flood Disaster: Over 100 Dead, Dozens Still Missing After Torrential Rainfall

A relentless flood has devastated Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State, claiming more than 100 lives and leaving over 100 people missing. The catastrophe unfolded on Wednesday night as torrential rains battered the region for hours, submerging homes and sweeping away entire families.

By Friday, 44 victims had been buried, following earlier interments of 31 others. The scale of destruction has left survivors grappling with loss, as search and rescue operations continue across the affected communities. Local residents fear the actual death toll is higher, as many bodies, especially those of Almajirai, are yet to be recovered.

Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, during a visit to Mokwa, confirmed, “I have been briefed by officials from NEMA and NSEMA, who have been on ground since the incident occurred for search and rescue operations. I was told that over 100 people lost their lives and some have yet to be buried as search and rescue operations are still ongoing.”

The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, stated that agency officials are leading the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Relief materials from NEMA have been distributed to victims through the local council.

Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing tales of loss. Anas Usman revealed that 17 members of his household perished in the flood. “We lost children, women and men, who are family members,” he said.

Alhassan Kolo, a local teacher, reported, “This flood is beyond our imagination. We have never witnessed anything like this before. The people affected are the poorest of the poor, many with large families. Even Islamic scholars reside in the affected areas. The corpses of the almajirai haven’t been counted yet.”

NSEMA’s Baba-Arah noted that more than 50 buildings and their occupants were swept away. “So far, 21 corpses have been recovered, while over 10 persons are still missing,” he stated.

The flood also destroyed critical infrastructure, including the only road connecting the North to the South-West. The governor’s media aide, Jonathan Vatsa, appealed for federal assistance, stating, “This is far beyond what the state can handle.”

President Bola Tinubu has directed NEMA and security agencies to intensify rescue and relief efforts, with the federal government expressing condolences and urging cooperation from affected residents.