Devastating Mokwa Flood: Niger State Government Confirms Over 200 Dead, 700 Still Missing

The Niger State Government has released grim figures regarding the catastrophic floods that ravaged Mokwa Community in Mokwa Local Government Area, confirming that at least 207 people have died, while over 700 individuals remain unaccounted for. This devastating toll was disclosed by Governor Umaru Bago, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Yakubu Garba, during a recent condolence visit in Minna.

The tragic incident occurred on May 28-29, following three days of non-stop torrential rainfall that led to severe flooding, submerging the market town of Mokwa. The downpour, coupled with the reported collapse of a nearby dam, overwhelmed the area, washing away homes and residents.

Governor Bago described the Mokwa flood as a national tragedy of unprecedented scale. He revealed that the disaster has displaced over 3,000 households, with extensive damage reported to infrastructure. Specifically, 400 houses were impacted, and 283 houses and 50 shops were completely destroyed. Two bridges and two roads were also reportedly washed away, severely disrupting transportation and economic activities.

The Governor expressed deep concern over the high number of missing persons, stating, “Over 700 persons are still missing and we are yet to ascertain where they are. The flooding has caused extensive damage.” He added that the state government is collaborating with professional organizations to determine the root causes of the disaster and is awaiting a detailed assessment report to guide future actions.

Initial reports from various sources, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and local emergency services, had also confirmed high casualty figures shortly after the flood, with rescue operations initially challenged by the scale of the disaster. The Niger State government’s latest figures provide a clearer, though deeply distressing, picture of the human cost of the flood.

The Governor acknowledged the outpouring of support from individuals and organizations, stating that humanitarian aid and donations are vital to the ongoing relief and recovery efforts for the affected victims, many of whom were reportedly non-indigenes. Efforts are underway to document victims and collect bank account details for the disbursement of donated funds.