The death toll from the devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, has risen to over 200. More than 500 people remain missing, and over 3,000 have been displaced.
The flood, considered the worst in 60 years, destroyed homes and infrastructure in the districts of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa. It was triggered by torrential rains and the collapse of a nearby dam, sweeping away homes, roads, and bridges.
Over 3,000 residents have been displaced, and economic activity in the area has ground to a halt.
The collapse of the Mokwa-Jebba bridge — a critical link between the north and south — has also disrupted supply chains and strained transportation networks. Train services have been suspended, and long-haul trucks have been diverted through the overcrowded Abuja-Lokoja highway.
Peter Obi Breaks Political Ranks to Show Solidarity
While many political figures focus on the upcoming 2027 elections, Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, visited Mokwa to console the victims.
Accompanied by former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman and Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Obi met with Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba on behalf of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
Obi described the destruction as “heartbreaking,” noting the loss of over 200 lives and the displacement of thousands. He stated, “This incident and others happening across the country affect us all. As a nation, we must come together to care, comfort, and support one another, especially in times of collective grief and hardship.”
The visit, which took place over the weekend, was hailed as a rare show of empathy amid what many Nigerians see as an increasingly disconnected political class. He toured the affected communities, consoled grieving families, and made a “donation of ₦20 million to support the effort of the government.”
Neither the president, Bola Tinubu, nor his vice, Kashim Shettima, has visited the state since the disaster. The federal government however did send a delegation headed by the Minister of Information
Survivors Share Harrowing Experiences
Adamu Yusuf, a 36-year-old resident, lost nine family members, including his wife and newborn baby. He recounted, “I watched helplessly as water washed away my family. I survived because I could swim.”
Another resident, Saliu Sulaiman, lost ₦1.2 million worth of farm produce. He said, “I contemplated going back into the room to get it, but the pressure of the water scared me.”
World Health Organization Responds to Health Crisis
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is collaborating with partners to support emergency health responses in affected communities. WHO is conducting public health risk assessments to address potential disease outbreaks. It is also preparing to send emergency medical supplies to support primary healthcare.
The flood destroyed key infrastructure, including the bridge connecting Koshaba and Raba communities. This has stranded food trucks and disrupted supply chains. Mustapha Salaudeen, a truck driver, reported being stuck in traffic stretching to Dikko junction.
Sani Danladi, National Secretary of the National Tomato Farmers Association, warned that the collapse of the Mokwa Bridge would affect food supply to southern Nigeria, leading to increased prices.
Government Urged to Provide Adequate Shelter
Alhaji Tanko Bala, leader of the Hausa community in Mokwa, said most victims are sleeping in open spaces due to inadequate government arrangements. He said, “Nobody goes to the primary school which the government set aside as a camp for the IDPs. It is only Almajirai that have moved there.”
He added, “If government wants to help the victims genuinely, they should come forward and provide them with sleeping materials. People sleep on the bare floor.”
Rate, Like 👍, Comment, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
