Over 500 Dead, 600 Missing in Mokwa Flood Disaster
Story written by Uzuh Rita and Joseph Okafor | Reporters, SpringsNewsNG Media
Nigeria is mourning one of its worst flood disasters in years following the catastrophic Mokwa flood in Niger State, which has left over 500 people dead and more than 600 still missing.
The tragedy struck on May 29, 2025, after hours of relentless rainfall led to the collapse of a dam and an old railway embankment, unleashing a deadly wave that engulfed communities like Tifin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa. Over 4,000 homes were destroyed, and key infrastructure including roads and bridges was washed away.
Eyewitness accounts described horrifying scenes. Survivors clung to trees, rooftops, and floating debris for hours. One man, Adamu Yusuf, recounted how he watched helplessly as his wife and newborn child were swept away by the current.
Emergency response has been swift but overwhelmed. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu activated the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and dispatched relief materials, temporary shelters, and health supplies. Senator Sani Musa donated ₦50 million and truckloads of food to the displaced.
The World Health Organization has deployed teams to assess public health risks. Preliminary reports indicate damage to multiple health facilities, though no primary care center was totally incapacitated.
Environmental experts say the Mokwa disaster highlights Nigeria’s growing vulnerability to climate change. Poor urban planning, blocked waterways, and deforestation contributed to the scale of destruction. Calls are mounting for sustainable flood control infrastructure, dam monitoring systems, and improved emergency preparedness nationwide.
The government has pledged full compensation and rehabilitation for victims, but many affected residents say they now face an uncertain future without homes, farmland, or loved ones.
