Severe Flooding in Central Nigeria Displaces Thousands as Death Toll Rises
More than 150 lives have been lost and thousands displaced from their homes following devastating floods in central Nigeria, particularly affecting the rural town of Mokwa in Niger State. The floods, triggered by torrential rains that began late Wednesday and persisted into Thursday, have left 3,018 individuals displaced and 265 homes completely destroyed. Rescuers continue to search for missing persons and recover bodies, with some found nearly 10 kilometers downstream.
Niger State Emergency Management Agency spokesman Ibrahim Audu Husseini confirmed the rising death toll, warning that further casualties could emerge as search efforts progress. Amid escalating concerns, President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences and announced ongoing search-and-rescue operations supported by Nigeria’s security forces. He emphasized immediate deployment of relief materials and temporary shelters to affected communities.
Local residents recounted their harrowing experiences. Mohammed Tanko, a victim, shared, “We lost everything. We don’t have anywhere else to go.” Another survivor lamented, “I escaped with only my nightdress.”
As meteorologists predict more rainfall in the coming days, fears of additional flooding loom large. Climate change, unregulated construction, and inadequate drainage systems have exacerbated Nigeria’s flooding problems, turning it into a recurring threat during the six-month rainy season. Experts stress that while the risks of flooding are well-documented, insufficient political action has hindered necessary changes. Past incidents saw over 1,200 fatalities and nearly two million displacements due to similar disasters in the region.
The National Emergency Management Agency reiterated the importance of avoiding construction in vulnerable areas and maintaining clear drainage channels to mitigate future flood risks.
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