Hussaini Kafi in Kano
No fewer than 20 people have lost their lives while over 50 houses were submerged following a devastating flood that ravaged two communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident, which occurred after a heavy downpour on Wednesday, affected the communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, leaving residents in grief and disarray.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the fatalities and the scale of destruction.
According to the Director General of the agency, Abdullahi Baba Arah, the torrential rainfall triggered the flooding that swept through the communities, leading to widespread destruction and displacement.
Speaking to the newsmen, Arah disclosed that three survivors—a woman and her two children—are currently receiving medical attention at the Mokwa General Hospital. He added that search and rescue operations were still ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
“It’s a tragic situation. The flood took us by surprise, and unfortunately, we have recorded over twenty deaths so far,” Arah said. “We are doing everything we can to rescue those still trapped and provide immediate relief to affected residents.”
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor commiserated with the victims and families who lost loved ones.
Governor Bago described the flood as a “natural disaster of great magnitude” and assured the affected communities of the government’s support. He pledged that relief materials and aid would be swiftly mobilised to cushion the effects of the tragedy.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa during this trying time,” the statement read. “We are committed to supporting them and rebuilding what has been lost.”
The flood has raised fresh concerns about the state’s preparedness for the rainy season, as communities across Niger continue to face the risks of climate-induced disasters.
Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and adhere to early warning advisories as efforts continue to mitigate future occurrences.
