Faith Nyasuguta
Devastating floods in Mokwa, a town in Nigeria’s north-central Niger State, have claimed over 200 lives, with at least 500 people still missing, according to local officials. The deluge, triggered by relentless rainfall, swept through Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair in what is being called the worst flood in the region in 60 years.
Authorities have now suspended rescue operations, citing the low chances of survival for those still unaccounted for. Musa Kimboku, deputy chairman of Mokwa Local Government, said that hope had faded: “We no longer believe anyone is alive,” he said, confirming the grim halt to the search.
Heartbreaking stories from survivors paint a picture of chaos and grief. Adamu Yusuf, a local resident, lost his wife and newborn baby as their home was swallowed by the raging waters. “I watched helplessly as water washed away my family. I survived only because I could swim,” he said.
For others like Saliu Sulaiman, the floods have meant financial ruin. “I lost at least $1,500, the entire proceeds from the sale of my farm produce. I almost went back to retrieve it, but the force of the water was terrifying,” he shared.
As the community reels from the disaster, public health fears are beginning to rise. District head Muhammadu Aliyu revealed that authorities may soon have to exhume bodies buried by the floods to prevent outbreaks of disease.
On Sunday, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) began distributing relief packages to survivors, noting that the flood had also damaged critical infrastructure like roads and bridges, severely affecting transport and the local economy.
The Nigerian Red Cross described the situation as one of “widespread distress and significant loss of life” in a statement released on Friday.
Flooding is sadly not new to Nigeria, where the rainy season from April to October regularly triggers natural disasters. In 2022, over 600 people died and 1.3 million were displaced due to floods. Another round of deadly flooding followed in 2024.
But the Mokwa disaster stands out for its sheer scale. As families mourn, questions loom over infrastructure, preparedness, and climate resilience. For now, Nigeria watches and grieves, again.
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