Tragedy struck Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State in the early hours of Wednesday as flash floods swept through two communities — Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa — claiming the lives of at least 21 people and leaving several others missing.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the incident, stating that torrential rainfall led to the flooding, which submerged over 50 homes, many with sleeping occupants still inside.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Director-General, Abdullahi Baba Arah, NSEMA said that it had mobilized in conjunction with the Mokwa local council, local divers, and volunteers to carry out a search and rescue operation.
“So far, 21 bodies have been recovered while more than 10 people remain unaccounted for,” Arah stated. “Three people — a woman and her two children — were rescued and are currently receiving treatment at Mokwa General Hospital.”
The flooding, which followed several hours of intense rainfall, left a trail of destruction, displacing families and washing away properties and farmlands.
Reacting to the incident, the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) expressed deep sorrow, noting in a statement by its Head of Press and Public Affairs, Nura Tanko Wakili, that preliminary reports suggest widespread loss of homes and unconfirmed numbers of missing persons, including children.
Emergency authorities continue to comb the affected areas as they race against time to locate survivors and account for the missing.
The state government has called for calm and pledged support for the victims and families affected by the disaster.