Floods
Update: Over 115 Dead, Scores Missing as Devastating Floods Wreck Niger Communities
A catastrophic flood in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State has left over 115 people dead, with more than 100 still missing as of Friday.
The disaster, triggered by hours of torrential rainfall on Wednesday night, submerged homes and swept away entire communities.
Search and rescue operations remain underway, with grieving families desperately seeking missing loved ones. Local residents fear the death toll could be much higher, as many victims—particularly Qur’anic school pupils (Almajirai)—remain unaccounted for.
Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba confirmed the grim toll during a visit to Mokwa, stating that recovery efforts were ongoing. He assured survivors at displacement camps of imminent government relief, including supplies from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Heartbreaking accounts emerged from survivors, including Anas Usman, who lost 17 family members when floodwaters engulfed their home. A local teacher, Alhassan Kolo, reported over 40 burials on Friday alone, excluding uncounted Almajirai victims.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) disclosed that 21 bodies had been recovered, with 10 still missing, while over 50 homes were destroyed.
The flood also severed the critical Tatabu Bridge, cutting off the sole road linking northern and southwestern Nigeria.
Governor Mohammed Bago’s office described the disaster as “unprecedented in 40 years,” appealing for federal intervention. In response, President Bola Tinubu ordered NEMA and security agencies to intensify rescue and relief efforts, offering condolences to affected families.
The tragedy echoes previous floods in 2022 and 2023, which killed hundreds and displaced millions nationwide.
Authorities have urged compliance with evacuation orders as emergency teams battle to mitigate further loss.
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