A devastating midnight flood swept through Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, claiming at least 21 lives and leaving several others missing. The torrential rainfall, which started late on Tuesday night, caused widespread destruction, particularly affecting the communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town.

The flood, which took residents and commuters by surprise, submerged over 50 homes and trapped several vehicles. Among the casualties were a woman and her two children, whose bodies were recovered by rescue teams. The floodwaters caused immense damage to property, with commercial vehicles, private cars, and trucks caught in the rising waters.

As of the latest report, search and rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency services working alongside local divers and volunteers to find survivors and recover additional bodies. A total of 21 bodies have been retrieved so far, while a woman and her children, who survived the ordeal, are receiving treatment for injuries and shock at Mokwa General Hospital.

According to the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), “The torrential downpour of very high intensity lasted several hours, and the surging floodwaters submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants. The agency, in collaboration with the Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and volunteers, is conducting ongoing search and rescue operations to recover survivors and bodies.”

While the focus remains on rescuing survivors, the situation has highlighted the need for improved flood preparedness and immediate response mechanisms in flood-prone regions like Niger State. As recovery efforts continue, authorities are urging residents to heed flood warnings and take preventive measures to protect lives and property during the rainy season.