No fewer than 21 persons have been confirmed dead following a devastating flood that submerged two communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State in the early hours of Thursday.
The incident, triggered by a torrential downpour that lasted for hours, wreaked havoc in Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities, leaving scores of residents displaced and properties destroyed.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in a statement by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah, said over 50 residential buildings were washed away by the surging floodwaters.
The agency is working with local divers, officials of the Mokwa council, and volunteers to conduct search and rescue operations.
“As of now, 21 corpses have been recovered, while more than 10 individuals are still missing. Three persons — a woman and her two children — were rescued and are receiving medical attention at the Mokwa General Hospital for injuries and shock,” Arah said.
He noted that the situation remains critical as emergency teams continue their efforts to account for the missing and assess the full extent of the destruction.
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) also expressed concern over the tragedy.
In a statement signed by Nura Tanko Wakili, Head of Press and Public Affairs, the Commission said preliminary assessments indicate the loss of hundreds of properties, with many victims, including children, unaccounted for.
“The incident has left the entire community devastated and in distress. As we assess the situation and prepare for an appropriate response, we urge residents to remain vigilant and comply with safety directives from relevant authorities to avoid further casualties,” the statement read.
N-HYPPADEC also called on stakeholders to act swiftly in providing relief materials and psychosocial support to the affected families.
This tragedy comes amid warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) about increased risks of heavy rainfall and flash floods across several states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
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