DEADLY FLOODING DEVASTATES MOKWA, NIGER STATE: DOZENS FEARED DEAD, AND THOUSANDS DISPLACED……
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
A devastating flood has struck Mokwa in Niger State, Nigeria, following a torrential downpour over the MAYARA River. According to reports from Africa247 Channel (formerly Nupe TV Africa), the prolonged rainfall triggered severe flooding that has claimed numerous lives and left many others missing.
Among the most tragic incidents, over 50 Quranic school pupils (almajirai) are feared missing after the flooding submerged Alhaji Umar Kongila’s residence in the Mayara area. More than 50 homes were destroyed, leaving entire families trapped and vulnerable.
Thousands of residents have been displaced and are in urgent need of food, clean water, medical assistance, and shelter. Temporary shelters are being established by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), while relief materials are being distributed across affected communities.
In response to the crisis, NSEMA and local authorities have launched ongoing search and rescue efforts. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is also expected to arrive for a comprehensive assessment and to coordinate a broader humanitarian response.
While some locals, including Mallam Ibrahim, have attributed the flooding to spiritual causes related to a tree in Mokwa Market and sacrificial rites, no evidence supports these claims. Experts note that Mokwa’s geographical location downstream of the Kainji Dam makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding during periods of intense rainfall. A similar catastrophic flood reportedly occurred in the town about 70 years ago.
The community now faces the dual challenge of mourning its losses and rebuilding from the ruins left behind by the disaster.