At least 200 lives have been lost and more than 500 individuals remain unaccounted for following a catastrophic flood that devastated the bustling market town of Mokwa in Niger State, central Nigeria. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Thursday after hours of relentless torrential rainfall triggered flash floods that submerged entire communities and wiped out infrastructure.
Mokwa, a key agricultural and trade hub situated on the banks of the River Niger, found itself overwhelmed by rising floodwaters that swept through homes, markets, roads, and bridges. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and despair as residents struggled to escape the torrents.
Fatima Kontagora, a grieving mother, shared her devastating loss:
“My children and property were carried away. My own children, taken by the flood—there are four, and we’re yet to see their remains. All my property is gone, all my finances are gone; there’s nothing left for me now. Even this dress I have on was given to me by someone else. In my family alone, we lost 18 people.”
Emergency officials initially launched a massive rescue and recovery operation but were forced to suspend efforts late Friday due to hazardous conditions and washed-out access roads. Local authorities say many victims may have been swept into remote or inaccessible areas, compounding the search difficulties.
According to a senior official with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), this flood is one of the most destructive the region has witnessed in more than six decades:
“We are dealing with an unprecedented disaster. The scale of destruction is staggering. Entire communities have been wiped off the map, and we fear the death toll could rise significantly.”
The floodwaters were exacerbated by a combination of factors including climate change-induced weather extremes, blocked drainage systems, and inadequate urban planning. Nigeria has long struggled with seasonal floods, but experts warn that climate instability is leading to longer dry spells followed by more intense rains, resulting in deadlier flood cycles.
Environmental scientist Dr. Halima Audu of the University of Abuja noted, “This pattern is becoming more common. You have long periods without rain, leading to soil hardening and low absorption capacity. Then when heavy rain finally comes, the land can’t absorb it fast enough, and it runs off rapidly, causing destruction.”
Mokwa, located roughly 380 kilometers west of Abuja, lies in a vulnerable lowland area. Over the past five years, floods have become more frequent and more intense. Yet, despite repeated warnings from climate experts, little has been done to improve the town’s drainage systems or implement sustainable flood mitigation plans.
In September last year, a dam collapse in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, led to a similar tragedy, killing over 30 people and displacing thousands. These recurring disasters are worsening Nigeria’s already dire humanitarian situation, especially in areas affected by conflict and poverty.
In the aftermath of the Mokwa disaster, humanitarian agencies are appealing for urgent assistance. Temporary shelters have been set up in nearby towns, but they remain overcrowded and poorly supplied. Food, clean water, and medical support are in short supply, raising fears of a secondary health crisis.
UNICEF Nigeria issued a statement calling for immediate intervention:
“The Mokwa tragedy is a stark reminder of the climate vulnerability faced by communities across Nigeria. We are mobilizing emergency supplies, but more support is urgently needed to provide relief to those affected.”
Meanwhile, survivors are picking through the rubble in search of any salvageable belongings. Local churches and mosques have opened their doors to offer temporary refuge, while community members are collecting donations of clothes, food, and medicine.
Nigeria’s President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressed condolences to the victims and pledged federal support:
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Mokwa. This government stands with the people of Niger State in this moment of grief. We will work with the state authorities to ensure immediate relief and long-term infrastructure development to prevent a recurrence.”
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has dispatched response teams to Mokwa, but officials admit logistical hurdles are delaying the distribution of aid. Helicopters have been deployed for aerial assessment, while boats are being used to reach the most affected communities.
As the country continues to grapple with this tragedy, many are questioning the preparedness of local and national disaster response mechanisms. Calls for a comprehensive climate adaptation strategy are growing louder, particularly as the peak of Nigeria’s rainy season looms.
Activist and climate advocate, Blessing Okoye, voiced her frustration:
“We can’t continue to act surprised every time floods occur. People are dying because the government fails to prioritize resilience. Mokwa should be a wake-up call. We need action, not sympathy.”
The full scale of the disaster in Mokwa may take days or weeks to emerge, but what is clear now is that lives have been irrevocably altered. As rescue efforts give way to recovery, the town—and indeed the nation—must reckon with the consequences of environmental neglect and underinvestment in disaster preparedness.
For now, the people of Mokwa mourn, rebuild, and hope for a future where their safety is no longer an afterthought.
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