By Atoyebi Nike
A powerful overnight flood triggered by intense rainfall has wreaked havoc in Mokwa, Niger State, leaving a scene of widespread devastation and plunging the town into mourning.
The flood, which struck in the early hours of the morning, is believed to have claimed numerous lives, with several individuals still unaccounted for as of press time. Entire households have been displaced, and properties worth millions destroyed. Local residents describe the disaster as unprecedented, with many calling for immediate support from the government and humanitarian organisations.
“The pain is indescribable. Families are grieving, and many are left with nothing but the clothes on their backs,” said a community member who requested anonymity while helping search efforts.
The Executive Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area, Hon. Jibril Abdullahi Muregi, in a statement issued this morning, expressed deep sorrow over the calamity. He conveyed condolences to all affected families on behalf of the council and pledged the local government’s commitment to providing immediate assistance to the victims.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those impacted by this tragedy,” Hon. Muregi stated. “The council is mobilising resources to offer support, and we call on the state and federal governments, as well as non-governmental organisations, to join in these emergency relief efforts.”
The deluge, which followed hours of unrelenting rain, submerged large parts of Mokwa township, cutting off access routes and overwhelming local infrastructure. Eyewitness accounts describe families scrambling for safety in the darkness as floodwaters engulfed homes.
Local authorities have launched search-and-rescue operations, but many areas remain inaccessible. Temporary shelters are being set up for displaced residents, even as concerns grow about potential health risks from contaminated water sources.
As Mokwa counts its losses, survivors are urging for long-term flood mitigation strategies to prevent future tragedies.
