A severe flood has claimed at least 97 lives in Kpege-Mokwa, a community in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, following a night of heavy rainfall that began around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday.
The early morning downpour, which caught residents off guard while they were asleep, caused widespread devastation. Homes were submerged, properties destroyed, and families torn apart as the floodwaters surged through the area.
So far, 97 bodies have been recovered, and search and rescue efforts are still underway, with many people unaccounted for. The Nigerian Red Cross and other emergency response teams are on the ground, providing first aid, assisting in recovery operations, and supporting displaced residents.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” said one of the rescue volunteers. “We are doing everything possible to find survivors and help the affected families.”
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of trying to escape the rising waters in the dead of night. One resident, Alhaji Musa Ibrahim, said, “I was awakened by the sound of rushing water. By the time I gathered my family, the water was already inside our house. We lost everything.”
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed the incident and stated that further updates will be released as the situation develops. Emergency shelters are being set up for those displaced, and relief materials are being mobilized.
Local authorities are calling on the federal government and international partners for urgent assistance, not only for immediate relief but also for long-term flood control and infrastructure support.
Environmental experts have warned that climate change and poor urban planning have increased the frequency and severity of such disasters, particularly in flood-prone regions like Niger State.
As rescue teams continue their work and families mourn their losses, the tragedy in Kpege-Mokwa stands as a painful reminder of the urgent need for proactive disaster preparedness and climate resilience across Nigeria.