At least 21 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, triggered by a torrential rainfall on Wednesday night.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Ibrahim Hussaini, disclosed the development to journalists in Minna on Thursday.
Hussaini said the heavy downpour led to massive flooding that submerged homes, swept away residents, and left several communities in distress. Among the deceased were men, women, and children, with more than 10 individuals still unaccounted for.
“So far, 21 bodies have been recovered. We were able to rescue a woman and her two children alive. They are currently receiving treatment for injuries and trauma at the Mokwa General Hospital,” Hussaini said.
The affected communities include Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town. More than 50 residential houses were reportedly washed away, leaving many families homeless and in dire need of support.
Emergency response teams from NSEMA, the Mokwa Local Government Council, local divers, and volunteers have been deployed to the area to continue search and rescue operations, with hopes of locating the missing and providing relief to the survivors.
Authorities are appealing for urgent humanitarian assistance and reinforcement of disaster response infrastructure in vulnerable parts of the state, as the rainy season intensifies.
