Death Toll from Central Nigeria Floods Rises to 110 and Beyond
Mokwa, Niger State, June 2, 2025 – The death toll from devastating flash floods in Mokwa, a major market town in central Nigeria’s Niger State, has risen sharply to at least 110, with some reports confirming over 150 fatalities as rescue operations continue. Torrential rains that began late on May 28 submerged large parts of the town, washing away homes, vehicles, and critical infrastructure, and displacing thousands of residents.
Extent of the Disaster
The floods, worsened by the collapse of a nearby dam, caused unprecedented destruction in Mokwa and surrounding areas such as Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, which were the worst affected. Over 3,000 homes were submerged, with at least 265 completely destroyed. The collapse of the Maokwa Bridge and two other roads disrupted vehicular movement and trade, isolating communities.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported that more than 3,000 residents have been displaced, with over 100 to 800 people still missing, including entire families. Rescue teams continue to recover bodies from mud and debris, often requiring excavators to reach victims trapped under collapsed structures.
Human Impact
Among the victims are many children and entire families. Farida Auwalu, a survivor, lost seven children, with four bodies recovered and buried. Eleven injured individuals are receiving medical care in local hospitals. The Nigerian Red Cross reported that 121 people are hospitalized with injuries.
The disaster has left many homeless and in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical assistance. Local officials and community leaders have appealed for government intervention and humanitarian aid.
Government and Emergency Response
President Bola Tinubu has directed all relevant emergency and security agencies to intensify search and rescue efforts. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Niger State authorities are coordinating relief operations, providing food, blankets, and other essentials to affected families.
District Head Muhammad Shaba Aliyu described the flooding as the worst in 60 years and urged the government to provide urgent assistance.
Causes and Context
Experts attribute the severity of the flooding to a combination of climate change, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and possible upstream dam failures. Mokwa’s location on the banks of the River Niger makes it particularly vulnerable to such disasters.
Flooding is a recurrent problem in Nigeria’s rainy season, which runs from April to October. The country experienced its worst flooding in over a decade in 2022, killing over 600 people and displacing more than 1.3 million.
