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A devastating flood has struck Mokwa, a busy market town in Niger State, Nigeria, killing more than 100 people. Torrential rains triggered the deadly disaster in the early hours of Thursday, sweeping through homes as residents slept.
Children Among the Dead as Rescue Continues
Ibrahim Hussaini, spokesperson for Niger State’s emergency management agency, confirmed that 115 bodies have been recovered. Many of the victims were children. The number is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue in the affected areas.
Emergency responders are still combing through the wreckage. With many people still missing, the final toll could be much higher.
Kpege Neighborhood Worst Hit
The flooding struck Mokwa’s Kpege neighborhood around dawn. The timing proved tragic, as most residents were asleep and unaware of the danger.
Houses were submerged, and entire families swept away in the darkness.
The Niger State government described the disaster as “saddening, heartbreaking, and pathetic.” Authorities said two communities in Mokwa were completely ravaged by the waters following hours of intense rainfall.
Nigeria’s Annual Flood Crisis Worsens
Flooding in northern Nigeria is not new. Every year, the region faces heavy rainfall that leads to destruction and death. But the scale of this recent flood is among the worst.
In 2023 alone, floods in the area killed over 200 people. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), more than 386,000 people were displaced during last year’s flood season.
The country also saw catastrophic flooding in 2022. That year, Nigeria experienced its worst flood in over a decade. More than 600 people died, and over 1 million were forced to flee their homes.
Towns Like Mokwa on the Frontline
Mokwa, known for its agricultural markets and local trade, is one of many vulnerable towns. The town lies along major flood plains, making it highly susceptible during the rainy season. Most houses in the region are not built to withstand such extreme weather conditions.
Local authorities say the town needs better drainage systems, improved early warning systems, and urgent infrastructure upgrades.
Calls for Stronger Flood Response Measures
Experts warn that without proactive measures, flooding will continue to destroy lives and livelihoods in Nigeria. Climate change is intensifying weather patterns, leading to longer and more severe rainy seasons.
Disaster agencies are calling for immediate government action. They want better urban planning, faster emergency response, and increased public awareness to reduce the yearly toll of flood disasters.
A Nation in Mourning
As Mokwa buries its dead, there is widespread grief across Niger State. The loss of so many lives, especially children, has left a deep scar on the community.
Many residents now face homelessness, hunger, and trauma. Relief efforts are underway, but the road to recovery will be long.
The tragedy in Mokwa serves as another grim reminder. Without serious action on flood control and climate adaptation, such disasters will continue to claim lives in Nigeria year after year.
