21 Bodies Found as Overnight Flood Destroys 50 Homes in Niger State

A devastating overnight flood has claimed at least 21 lives and left many others missing after a powerful rainfall triggered severe flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

The flood, which occurred late Tuesday night, followed several hours of heavy downpour, catching both residents and travelers by surprise. Local reports indicate that over 50 homes were completely submerged, particularly in the communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, the worst-hit areas within Mokwa town.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and destruction as the flood swept through the neighborhoods, dragging away buildings and vehicles in its path. Several cars, including private vehicles, trucks, and commercial transport buses, were either submerged or rendered immobile due to rising waters.

In the chaos, drivers and passengers were seen attempting to maneuver through the intense floodwaters, with no immediate signs of organized rescue efforts at the time.

By the time authorities responded, 21 bodies had been recovered, among them a woman and her two children. Several people were still unaccounted for, and search operations continued throughout the day.

Victims rescued from the disaster, including the aforementioned woman and her children, are currently receiving emergency care at Mokwa General Hospital, according to hospital sources.

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the tragic incident in an official statement, saying:

“There was a torrential downpour of very high intensity that lasted several hours, and the surging floodwaters submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants.”

He added that rescue teams comprising NSEMA officials, local government authorities, experienced divers, and community volunteers were mobilized for ongoing search and recovery operations.

“As of now, 21 corpses have been retrieved, and efforts are underway to find more survivors. The three currently rescued— a woman and her two children — are receiving medical care for injuries and trauma at Mokwa General Hospital.”

The flooding disaster has sparked calls for immediate environmental and infrastructural intervention in flood-prone regions of Niger State.