Resident Loses 14 Family Members in Mokwa Flood, Says ‘Ive No One Now’
In the wake of the catastrophic floods that devastated Mokwa, a town in Niger State, one resident has shared a heart-wrenching account of personal loss, revealing that he has lost 14 family members in the disaster.
In a statement that captured the gravity of the tragedy, the unnamed survivor said, “I have no one now.”
The flooding, caused by days of heavy rainfall, struck on May 29, 2025, submerging large portions of the town and surrounding communities. It is widely regarded as the worst flood to hit Mokwa in decades.
According to emergency responders and local authorities:
• More than 200 people have been confirmed dead
• Approximately 500 others are still missing and presumed dead
• Over 3,000 residents have been displaced
• More than 500 homes were destroyed in communities such as Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa
• Roads and bridges linking Mokwa to neighboring towns were washed away, hampering rescue and relief efforts
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) described the flooding as “a national disaster,” citing the unprecedented destruction of infrastructure and human life.
The grief in Mokwa is palpable. Among the hundreds of stories of loss, one voice stands out — a man who said his entire family, including children and relatives, perished in the floods.
“I have no one now. The flood came in the night. We tried to run, but the water was too fast. I lost 14 family members. I don’t know how to begin again,” he said, sobbing beside what remains of his home.
Local officials have reported that many victims were swept away in their sleep, while others were trapped in their homes as water levels rose rapidly.
Efforts by emergency responders have been slow, largely due to:
• Washed-out roads
• Debris blocking access routes
• Limited manpower and equipment
Humanitarian agencies, including the Red Cross and local NGOs, have set up temporary shelters, but resources remain stretched, with thousands in need of food, clean water, and medical attention.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In an official statement, he extended condolences to the people of Niger State and pledged urgent intervention.
“We will ensure that no Nigerian affected by this disaster is left behind or unheard. Relief materials are already being dispatched, and assessments are underway for long-term recovery,” the President said.
Federal relief teams and military personnel have been deployed to support the overwhelmed local authorities.
Experts have pointed to a combination of climate change, poor urban planning, and inadequate flood control infrastructure as contributing factors to the scale of the Mokwa disaster. Environmentalists are calling on the federal and state governments to invest more in climate-resilient infrastructure, drainage systems, and early warning mechanisms.
For now, Mokwa remains a town in mourning. Flags fly at half-mast, mass burials have begun, and survivors huddle in makeshift shelters as aid trickles in.
As one elder said during a prayer gathering:
“We are broken, but we will rebuild. God is our strength.”
The coming weeks will be critical as government and humanitarian groups work to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and begin the long journey of reconstruction.
