Mokwa flood tragedy: Death toll surpasses 60 as Niger community mourns

The town of Mokwa in Niger State has been plunged into mourning after a catastrophic flood claimed the lives of over 60 people, with more victims still being recovered from submerged homes and farmlands.

According to a report by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the flood struck in the early hours of Wednesday, catching many residents off guard as they slept. Community members and local officials described the incident as the worst flood disaster in the history of the town.

Entire neighborhoods were reportedly swept away, with homes, crops, and essential infrastructure reduced to rubble. Rescue workers and volunteers have been working tirelessly to search for survivors and recover the remains of those lost.

“The scale of destruction and the number of deaths recorded in this single incident has never been experienced before in Mokwa,” a resident, Malam Musa Ibrahim, said.

While the exact cause of the flooding is yet to be confirmed, local speculation points to a possible release of water from the Kainji Dam.

Emergency response teams and volunteers are continuing recovery and relief efforts, as dozens remain missing and hundreds displaced.

Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area, Hon. Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi, confirmed the rising casualty figure and called on the Niger State Government and relevant federal agencies to urgently intervene with relief materials and long-term support for affected communities.

“This is a tragic day for us. We are overwhelmed by the destruction and the high number of lives lost,” he said.

Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders are expected to arrive the town for a full-scale assessment and coordinated humanitarian response.