A devastating flood caused by hours of torrential rainfall has claimed at least 21 lives, left over 10 people missing, and destroyed more than 50 homes in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to Sources, residents reported that the flood has cut off the key road linking northern and southern Nigeria through Mokwa. Some locals fear the death toll could rise to 50, as several people—mainly women and children—remain unaccounted for.
The downpour, which began late Wednesday night and continued for hours, submerged homes and swept away sleeping residents. Eyewitnesses said the force of the water was overwhelming.
A local resident, Mohammed Usman, confirmed that while several bodies have been recovered, many others are still missing, especially in areas where houses were completely engulfed by floodwaters.
Official Confirmation
In a statement, Ibrahim Hussaini, Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the incident and its scale. He stated that:
- The disaster occurred during a torrential downpour on Wednesday night.
- 21 bodies have so far been recovered.
- Over 10 people are still missing.
- Three people, including a woman and her two children, were rescued alive and are receiving treatment at Mokwa General Hospital.
- The worst-hit areas include Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa town.
Hussaini added that more than 50 residential buildings were washed away, displacing entire families.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, coordinated by NSEMA in collaboration with Mokwa Local Government authorities, local divers, and volunteers.
Tragedy in Lapai
This disaster comes just days after another tragic incident in Lapai Local Government Area, where Reverend Father James Omeh, the parish priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Gulu, was swept away by floodwaters alongside his passenger, Charity John.
Father Omeh, who also served as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) coordinator in Lapai LGA, encountered a collapsed bridge on the Lapai-Gulu Road, destroyed by heavy rains. While attempting to make a U-turn toward Duma village, his Hilux vehicle was overcome by strong flood currents and carried away.
Despite rescue efforts, both occupants were later found dead. Their bodies were recovered with the help of local volunteers and the Sarkin Ruwa (King of Water) from a nearby village.
Calls for Government Action
Community members have long raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Lapai-Gulu Road, urging the government to act before more lives are lost. This latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and proactive flood management measures.
