On May 28, 2025, Mokwa, a vital market town in Niger State, was struck by catastrophic flooding, claiming over 200 lives and displacing thousands. The deluge, triggered by torrential rains and the collapse of a nearby dam, submerged homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, including four bridges linking Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.
The disaster, described as the worst in 60 years, has left the community grappling with loss and desperation, with over 3,018 households affected and 503 still missing, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
President Bola Tinubu swiftly approved ₦2 billion for reconstructing destroyed homes and authorized 20 trucks of rice for immediate distribution to victims.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, visiting Mokwa on June 4, conveyed Tinubu’s empathy, stating, “The President’s heart is with the people. We will expend ₦2 billion in partnership with the Niger State Government to rebuild homes, though human lives can never be compensated.”
Shettima also directed the immediate rehabilitation of drainage systems and reconstruction of collapsed bridges, emphasizing their role as “a major artery road” for Nigeria’s connectivity.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been pivotal, deploying rescue teams and delivering food, medical supplies, and shelter to displaced residents in makeshift camps.
“NEMA’s swift response has been crucial in alleviating suffering,” said Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey, Chairman of the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, commending their efforts. However, victims have voiced frustration over inadequate relief.
Mama Isah, a displaced resident, lamented, “We are 17 in my household, but we were given one loaf of bread and some tea. How can that be enough?”
Niger State’s government, led by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, has mobilized resources, including 6,000 bags of rice and a ₦50 million donation from the governor’s wife.
Yet, the scale of destruction—265 buildings razed and farmlands washed away—has overwhelmed local efforts.
Ahmad Suleiman, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, noted, “We’re still recovering corpses. Nobody can tell the exact number of casualties right now.”
The Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, called for federal support to complete a stalled bypass road to prevent future isolation.
The Mokwa flood underscores Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate-driven disasters, with poor drainage and inadequate infrastructure exacerbating the crisis.
As rescue operations continue, the nation rallies to support Mokwa, but victims urgently need sustained aid to rebuild their lives.
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