A devastating flash flood has struck Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, claiming 21 lives and leaving more than 10 persons missing.
The disaster occurred following a torrential downpour that struck overnight, causing floodwaters to submerge and wash away over 50 residential houses along with their occupants.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Ibrahim Hussaini, the flood struck the communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town during heavy rainfall of high intensity that lasted for several hours.
“So far, 21 corpses have been recovered, while search and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate more than 10 persons still missing,” Hussaini said.
NSEMA, in collaboration with the Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and volunteers, launched immediate search and rescue operations to find survivors and recover bodies.
Three survivors, a woman and her two children, are receiving medical treatment for injuries and trauma at the Mokwa General Hospital.
NSEMA has assured the public of continued efforts to provide support and relief to the affected families and communities.
The agency’s search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with officials working to recover more dead bodies and injured victims.
The full extent of the damage and casualties is yet to be determined, but the situation is dire, with many homes destroyed and lives lost.
