Over 21 feared dead, several others missing as flood ravages Niger communities

Tragedy struck in Niger State as the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the death of at least 21 persons following a devastating flood that swept through Mokwa Local Government Area.

According to the Director General of NSEMA, Ibrahim Hussaini, who briefed journalists in Minna on Thursday, the disaster occurred during a heavy downpour on Wednesday night, leaving a trail of destruction across affected communities.

Hussaini revealed that three persons, a woman and her two children, were rescued alive and are currently receiving treatment for injuries and shock at the Mokwa General Hospital.

He added that over 10 others remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.

The communities worst hit by the disaster were identified as Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town, where more than 50 residential houses were completely submerged and swept away with their occupants.

Hussaini said efforts were ongoing, with NSEMA working alongside the Mokwa Local Government Council, local divers, and volunteers to recover missing persons and offer assistance to affected families.

He assured residents that the agency would intensify rescue operations and provide emergency relief to victims displaced by the flood, which has once again exposed the region’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters.