Mokwa Flood Tragedy: Death Toll Rises Above 60 as Community (Niger State) Cries for Urgent Government Intervention

The serene town of Mokwa in Niger State has been thrown into deep mourning as the death toll from the catastrophic flood that struck on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, has risen to over 60 people. This tragic flood has been described by both local residents and officials as the worst natural disaster in the town's history.

According to eyewitness accounts and community leaders, the floodwaters swept through residential areas, farmlands, and critical infrastructure in the early hours of the morning, catching many residents completely off guard. Several families were reportedly asleep when the water began to surge, leaving them no chance to escape.

“The scale of destruction and the number of deaths recorded in this single incident have never been experienced before in Mokwa,” said Malam Musa Ibrahim, a local resident who witnessed the devastation.

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A Night of Horror: How the Mokwa Flood Unfolded

The flood struck with little to no warning, and the timing made it even more deadly. Most of the town was asleep when the floodwaters began to rise rapidly. Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as water broke through homes, swept away possessions, and drowned both people and animals.

Local community sources confirmed that many of the victims were found in their homes, unable to flee in time. Some were discovered in their beds, while others were trapped in partially collapsed buildings or swept into surrounding bushes and farmlands.

The water destroyed everything in its path — from mud homes and cement structures to crops, livestock, and school buildings. In just a few hours, what was once a peaceful town became a disaster zone.

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Suspected Cause: Is the Kainji Dam to Blame?

Although the exact cause of the Mokwa flood is still being investigated, residents and local authorities suspect that the release of water from the Kainji Dam may have contributed significantly to the disaster. The dam, located along the Niger River, is a major hydroelectric source in Nigeria and is known to release water periodically during heavy rainfall seasons.

However, what makes this incident particularly controversial is the lack of warning. Community leaders argue that there was no official communication from the dam authorities before the release, if it indeed occurred.

“We believe that the sudden rise in water levels may be connected to a release from Kainji Dam, but we were never warned. If we had been alerted, maybe some of these lives could have been saved,” one elder from the community lamented.

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Over 60 Confirmed Dead, Dozens Still Missing

As of Friday morning, rescue teams and local volunteers have confirmed more than 60 deaths, with dozens still missing. The death toll is expected to rise as the search continues. Many of the victims are believed to be children and elderly persons who were unable to escape the fast-moving floodwaters.

The Mokwa Local Government Council has already begun the grim task of coordinating mass burials for those whose bodies have been recovered. The emotional toll on the community is overwhelming.

“This is a tragic day for us. We are overwhelmed by the destruction and the high number of lives lost,” said Hon. Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi, the Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area.

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Hundreds Displaced, Properties Destroyed

Beyond the rising death toll, hundreds of residents have been displaced. Entire families are now homeless, sheltering in public schools, mosques, and makeshift tents set up by volunteers. These survivors are in urgent need of food, clean water, clothing, medical aid, and psychological support.

The flood has also left a trail of destruction across agricultural farmlands, which are the primary source of livelihood for many in the town. Crops like maize, yam, and millet have been completely wiped out, creating fears of hunger and food scarcity in the coming weeks.

Schools, primary health centres, bridges, and electricity poles have also been damaged, crippling basic infrastructure and services.

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Calls for Immediate Government and NEMA Intervention

In response to the unfolding crisis, Hon. Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi is calling on the Niger State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria to step in immediately.

“We need urgent support from all tiers of government. Relief materials must be sent without delay. But beyond that, we need long-term help to rebuild homes, repair roads, and restore lost livelihoods,” he said.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that officials will be deployed to Mokwa to assess the situation and launch a coordinated humanitarian response. However, residents worry that any delay in response could worsen the suffering of displaced people and hinder recovery efforts.

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Humanitarian Crisis Looms in Mokwa

As rescue and recovery efforts continue, a major humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Mokwa. Relief workers report a shortage of medical supplies, food, and clean drinking water. The risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid fever is high due to the contaminated water and poor sanitation in the temporary shelters.

Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have begun arriving with small donations, but the scale of the disaster requires a massive coordinated response.

“This is beyond what local efforts can handle. We are appealing to the entire nation, humanitarian agencies, and private donors to come to our aid,” said a volunteer nurse at one of the temporary camps.

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Environmental Concerns: Climate Change and Poor Infrastructure

Experts are also linking the disaster to climate change, deforestation, and poor drainage infrastructure. Heavy rainfall, poorly managed waterways, and environmental degradation continue to increase the risk of flooding in many parts of Nigeria.

Mokwa is not alone. Similar floods have affected parts of Benue, Kogi, and Bayelsa States in recent years, leading to widespread displacement and destruction. Without significant investment in climate resilience, early warning systems, and flood control infrastructure, experts warn that tragedies like this will continue to occur.

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What’s Next for Mokwa?

While the community is still counting its losses, attention must now shift to preventing future disasters. Experts recommend the following:

• Establishment of flood early-warning systems for communities near dams and rivers.

• Regular maintenance and transparent communication from dam operators like Kainji.

• Investment in drainage infrastructure, especially in flood-prone areas.

• Long-term resettlement plans for displaced families.

• Improved collaboration between federal, state, and local emergency agencies.

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Conclusion: A Community in Desperate Need of Hope

The flood that struck Mokwa, Niger State on May 28, 2025, has left behind a trail of grief, destruction, and uncertainty. With more than 60 lives lost, dozens still missing, and hundreds displaced, this is no longer just a local tragedy — it's a national emergency.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with natural disasters linked to climate change and poor infrastructure, the plight of Mokwa must not be ignored. Immediate action from the government, aid organizations, and private citizens is needed to help this community recover and rebuild.

NaijaRush will continue to monitor the situation and bring you updates from Mokwa as the story develops.