By peterside Rejoice Eneky
At least 153 people have been confirmed dead following devastating floods that ravaged several communities in Mokwa, Niger State, late last week. The disaster, described by residents as the worst in decades, has displaced thousands and left widespread destruction in its wake.
Victims and survivors in Angwan Hausawa and Ndayako communities recounted harrowing experiences when a Nation reporter visited the area. One of the most tragic accounts came from Isa Daban, who lost nine of his children when floodwaters swept through his home.
“I went to look for food and came home to meet no home,” he said tearfully, pointing to the spot where his house once stood.
Another resident, Musa Ismaila, said an Almajiri boarding house with over 80 children was completely washed away. According to him, many survivors have been left without shelter or clothing, with some still searching for missing loved ones.
“The damage is very devastating. People are sleeping outside without adequate food. Some have been wearing the same clothes since Thursday,” Ismaila said.
Jubrin Alhassan, another local, said his uncle lost 17 children in the disaster. He described the experience as painful and life-changing.
“Seventeen of my uncle’s sons and daughters were buried in my presence. Even the house was wiped out. Nothing could be recovered not even a spoon,” he recounted.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the rising death toll and stated that three bridges were destroyed, 503 households were affected, and over 3,000 individuals displaced in Mokwa town alone. While there were no deaths in the surrounding communities of Ndayako and Raba, dozens of homes and critical infrastructure were damaged.
NSEMA spokesperson Husseini Ibrahim said more bodies were recovered on Saturday and buried on Sunday morning.
Efforts by local youths to rescue residents during the flood were praised, with video footage showing a young man carrying a blind elderly man to safety. However, not all could be saved. Some children seen on the decking of a building that later collapsed were reportedly swept away.
Economic losses are also mounting. The vital Bida–Mokwa highway, which connects the North to the South, was blocked for two days, raising concerns about food and livestock supply disruptions. Trailer drivers transporting animals and perishable goods like tomatoes and watermelon reported significant losses.
“I lost two rams. Others lost more. The heat and lack of water killed many of the animals,” said Muktar Yusuf, a driver stranded in Mokwa during the flood.
Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba has called for the establishment of temporary camps and appealed for donations. He said a dedicated relief account has been opened to assist victims.
Garba made the plea while receiving a Federal Government delegation led by Information Minister Mohammed Idris and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who were in the state for a condolence visit.
Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Gawu, assured affected residents of continued government support and cautioned against the spread of misinformation.
“This is a time of mourning and collective grief. We urge all citizens to remain calm and trust in the government’s relief and recovery efforts,” he said.
Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing as the state and federal authorities continue to assess the full scale of the damage
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