Tragedy in Niger State: Two Children Among Hundreds Claimed by Devastating Mokwa Floods

Amidst the ongoing devastation caused by unprecedented floods in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, a grim report has emerged confirming the drowning of two children, adding to the escalating death toll of a catastrophe that has claimed hundreds of lives.

The tragic incident occurred as torrential rainfall, beginning late on May 28 and continuing into May 29, 2025, overwhelmed communities in Mokwa. The downpour, exacerbated by the collapse of a nearby embankment, submerged entire neighborhoods, sweeping away homes and residents.

While specific details regarding the two children’s drowning were not immediately released, their deaths underscore the immense human cost of the disaster. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other humanitarian organizations have confirmed that many children are among those still missing or severely impacted by the floods, which have displaced thousands.

Official figures from various agencies paint a grim picture. Over 200 bodies have been recovered so far, with more than 500 people still unaccounted for. Reports indicate that over 3,000 houses have been destroyed or severely damaged, rendering thousands homeless. Entire communities, including Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa districts, were submerged, with critical infrastructure and vast farmlands also devastated.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has described the Mokwa floods as one of the worst in Niger State’s history. Search and rescue operations have largely ceased as hopes of finding more survivors diminish, with authorities now focusing on recovery and preventing outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

Both the federal and state governments have initiated emergency response measures, deploying relief materials and establishing temporary shelters for displaced persons. President Bola Tinubu had ordered a robust humanitarian response, and various organizations, including the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), have donated aid to the affected communities.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had issued warnings of potential flash floods, urging residents in low-lying areas and along river banks to relocate to higher ground. However, the sheer volume of water and the rapid onset of the deluge left many unprepared. The tragedy in Mokwa serves as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and the urgent need for improved flood control infrastructure and early warning systems to protect its most vulnerable populations, especially children.