2025 Mokwa flood

{{Infobox flood

| name = 2025 Mokwa flood

| duration = May 28-29, 2025

| fatalities = 200

| injured = 121

| missing = 500

| damages = Millions of naira; town submerged, more than 3,000 houses affected, two bridges collapsed and two roads swept away, critical infrastructure damaged, farm produce destroyed and croplands damaged

| cause = Heavy rainfall and collapse of a nearby dam

| affected = Mokwa, Niger State, Nigeria

}}

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| zoom = 12

| width = 250

| height = 200

| caption = Location of the flood warning.

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| mark-coord = {{Coord|9|17|34|N|5|03|29|E}}

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On May 28, 2025, flooding caused by heavy rainfall submerged the market town of Mokwa in Niger State, Nigeria, causing severe damage. Based on the number of bodies found and records from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the flood led to a death toll of 111 people. The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, reported that the head of the district estimated the flooding killed more than 200 people—including children—left 500 residents missing, injured at least 121 others, and affected more than 3,000 houses, including 265 destroyed.

She also stated that there are several agencies available to provide aid to the displaced residents and the flood victims. The flood disrupted the flow of traffic, leaving the vehicles and the commuters stranded.

Background

=Mokwa=

Mokwa is a market town in Niger State with an estimated population of 416,600 as of 2022.{{Cite web |title=Mokwa (Local Government Area, Nigeria) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location |url=https://citypopulation.de/en/nigeria/admin/niger/NGA027017__mokwa/#:~:text=Mokwa%20*%20416,600%20Population%20%5B2022%5D%20%E2%80%93%20Projection.,km%C2%B2%20Area.%20*%20109.6/km%C2%B2%20Population%20Density%20%5B2022%5D |access-date=June 2, 2025 |website=citypopulation.de}} The long southern border of the Local Government Area (LGA) is formed by the Niger River from Lake Jebba in the west beyond the confluence of the Kaduna River in the east. Kwara State and Kogi State are across the Niger from the LGA. The A1 highway crosses the Niger at Gana to Jebba in Kwara State. Mokwa is a major meeting point where traders from the south buy food from growers in the north.

=Flooding in Nigeria=

Flooding in Nigeria has become a yearly occurrence that claims lives and destroys many properties.{{Cite news |last=Gabriel |first=Ewepu |date=July 14, 2024 |title=Deadly Downpour: More floods coming, nowhere to run |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/07/deadly-downpour-more-floods-coming-nowhere-to-run/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715022555/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/07/deadly-downpour-more-floods-coming-nowhere-to-run/ |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=Vanguard}} In 2024, flooding in Nigeria killed more than 1,200 people, injured at least 2,712 others, and displaced 1.2 million.{{Cite news |last=Berry |first=Alex |date=May 30, 2025 |title=Nigeria: Death toll from major floods passes 100 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/nigeria-death-toll-from-major-floods-passes-100/a-72737035 |access-date=May 30, 2025 |work=Deutsche Welle |publisher= |agency=Associated Press, Agence France-Presse}}{{Cite news |date=September 16, 2024 |title=Severe floods hitting most vulnerable in Sahel and Lake Chad region |url=https://www.nrc.no/news/2024/september/severe-floods-hitting-most-vulnerable-in-sahel-and-lake-chad-region |access-date=January 18, 2025 |work=Norwegian Refugee Council |publisher= |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Yusuf |first=Kabir |last2=Mojeed |first2=Abdulkareem |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Deluge of Death: Flood leaves Nigerian community in ruins |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/investigationspecial-reports/742863-deluge-of-death-flood-leaves-nigerian-community-in-ruins.html |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=Premium Times |publisher= |language=en}}

A previous flood in Mokwa on April 16, 2025, caused by the release of water from the Jebba Hydroelectric Power Station dam, killed 13 people, including 3 people on a canoe that capsized on a flooded river, and destroyed paddy fields. The floods affected over 5,000 dry-season farmers across Niger State and Kwara State, impacting over {{convert|10,000|ha|acre|abbr=unit}} of paddy farms in Mokwa alone with estimated economic losses in the billions of naira. Farmers from Kebbi State, Sokoto State, Katsina State and Kano State were also impacted. Reports indicate that the disaster displaced over 6,400 people, destroyed 45 schools, 44 health centers, and led to the collapse of the Eppa bridge, cutting off communities from urgent help. The flood was the sixth caused by the water released from the dam.{{Cite web |last=Kaur |first=Reet |date=April 22, 2025 |title=Deadly floods hit Nigeria, destroy rice fields across 30 communities in Niger and Kwara states |url=https://watchers.news/2025/04/22/deadly-floods-hit-nigeria-destroy-rice-fields-across-30-communities-in-niger-and-kwara-states/ |access-date=May 30, 2025 |website=The Watchers News |publisher=}} Dam management continues to be a recurring factor in flood-related risks.

Flood

The flood started on May 28, 2025, after several hours of torrential rainfall in the town and surrounding areas. The flood submerged the town and washed away homes with residents inside and vehicles, including a tank truck.{{Cite news |date=May 30, 2025 |title=More than 100 killed in heavy Nigeria flooding, rescue efforts ongoing |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/30/at-least-88-killed-in-heavy-nigeria-flooding-rescue-efforts-ongoing |access-date=May 30, 2025 |work=Al Jazeera English |publisher=}}{{Cite news |date=May 31, 2025 |title=Nigeria floods: At least 117 dead as heavy flooding submerges thousands of houses |url=https://news.sky.com/story/nigeria-floods-at-least-117-dead-as-heavy-flooding-submerges-thousands-of-houses-13377025 |access-date=May 30, 2025 |work=Sky News |publisher=}} The Maokwa bridge, a key bridge, collapsed on May 28 after severe flooding on the previous day, leaving motorists stranded and disrupting vehicular movement and economic activities across the region.{{Cite news |date=May 30, 2025 |title=Motorists stranded as Mokwa bridge linking north, southwest collapses |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/05/motorists-stranded-as-mokwa-bridge-linking-north-southwest-collapses/ |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=Vanguard |publisher=}} Another bridge and two roads were also washed away. People were washed downstream into the Niger River.{{Cite news |date=May 30, 2025 |title=Search for survivors as floods in Nigeria kill at least 115 |url=https://trt.global/afrika-english/article/bfc1f3a5d6e9 |access-date=May 30, 2025 |work=TRT Global |publisher=}} Excavator teams were needed to remove bodies that were stuck under debris. According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa districts of the town were worst affected. Authorities said the search and rescue operation is still ongoing as of May 30 and many people are still at risk.{{Cite news |last=Olaoluwa |first=Azeezat |date=May 30, 2025 |title=Floods kill at least 110 people after heavy rain in Nigeria |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy61v6wz1lo |access-date=May 30, 2025 |work=BBC News |publisher=}} Local government officials said a dam collapse in a nearby town{{clarify|date=June 2025}} worsened the situation.{{Cite news |date=May 30, 2025 |title=Nigeria flood disaster: 111 confirmed dead in Mokwa, death toll may rise |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/nigeria-flood-disaster-111-confirmed-dead-in-mokwa-death-toll-may-rise-ui6xnbch |access-date=May 30, 2025 |work=Mathrubhumi |publisher=}} The deputy governor, Yakubu Garba confirmed that the flood most hit areas were Tiffin Maza and Auguwan Hausawa area in Mokwa Town.{{Cite web |date=May 31, 2025 |title=Niger Flood: Deputy Gov. Visits Victims As Death Toll Rises To 100 |url=https://www.nextedition.com.ng/niger-flood-deputy-gov-visits-victims-as-death-toll-rises-to-100 |access-date=June 2, 2025 |website=The Next Edition |language=en-US}}

Aftermath

Officials said the death toll was more than 200 and there are 500 missing people {{asof|2025|6|1|lc=on|post=.}} The deputy chairman of Mokwa Local Government, Musa Kimboku, said that rescue efforts have ceased because authorities no longer believe anyone could still be alive.{{Cite news |last=Olaoluwa |first=Azeezat |last2=Macaulay |first2=Cecilia |date=June 1, 2025 |title=Death toll in Nigeria floods hits more than 200, officials say |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c071jz90pj8o |access-date=June 1, 2025 |work=BBC News |publisher=}} A National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) described the flood as one of the worst in the state's history.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9Akp22ewfU |title=At Least 175 Dead In Nigeria After Devastating Flash Floods Unleashed By Torrential Rains {{!}} Mokwa |date=May 31, 2025 |type=Video |publisher=Oneindia |access-date=May 31, 2025 |via=YouTube}} The Acting Director General of NEMA, Ibrahim Hussaini confirmed on June 1, 2025, that over 153 bodies were discovered under the Mokwa bridge due to the flood waves and they have been buried.{{Cite web |last=Egba |first=Abdullahi |date=June 1, 2025 |title=Mokwa Flood Death Toll Rises To 153 As More Bodies Recovered, NSEMA Confirms |url=https://www.channelstv.com/2025/06/01/mokwa-flood-death-toll-rises-to-153-as-more-bodies-recovered-nsema-confirms/ |access-date=June 2, 2025 |website=Channels TV |language=en}}

An emergency official and other reports said the death toll is expected to and could rise.{{Cite news |last=Adebayo |first=Taiwo |last2=Asadu |first2=Chinedu |date=May 31, 2025 |title=Death toll reaches 151 in north-central Nigerian town submerged in floods, thousands displaced |url=https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-floods-mokwa-c29db671f8b92972d8800a82adb2cd97 |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=Associated Press |publisher=}} Bodies are currently being recovered but the number of bodies is yet to be counted. 75 bodies have been buried as of May 31, 2025.{{Cite news |last=Otuchikere |first=Chika |date=May 31, 2025 |title=Niger flood of fury: Over 100 dead, 75 buried, 100 missing |url=https://punchng.com/niger-flood-of-fury-over-100-dead-75-buried-100-missing/ |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=The Punch |publisher=}} Red Cross chief Gideon Adamu reported 121 people were hospitalized with injuries.{{Cite news |date=May 31, 2025 |title=Nigerian floods kill more than 150, as search for victims continues |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-01/nigerian-flood-victims-swept-away-by-niger-river/105362818 |access-date=June 1, 2025 |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |publisher=}} Emergency service officials said at least 3,018 residents were displaced while local media reported at least 5,000.{{Cite news |date=May 31, 2025 |title='We lost everything': 151 dead in Nigeria floods, thousands displaced |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/31/nigeria-floods-death-toll-crosses-150-as-thousands-displaced |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=Al Jazeera |publisher=}}{{Cite news |last=Kaur |first=Reet |date=May 31, 2025 |title=Flash floods kill over 150 in Mokwa, Nigeria |url=https://watchers.news/2025/05/31/flash-floods-fatalities-damage-mokwa-nigeria-may-2025/ |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=The Watchers News |publisher=}} Critical infrastructure and more than {{convert|10,000|ha|acre|abbr=unit}} of paddy fields and croplands have been destroyed as well, affecting regional food supply chains.{{Cite news |date=May 30, 2025 |title=Nigeria - Floods (IFRC, media, NOAA-CPC) (ECHO Daily Flash of 30 May 2025) |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/nigeria/nigeria-floods-ifrc-media-noaa-cpc-echo-daily-flash-30-may-2025 |access-date=May 30, 2025 |work=Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations |publisher= |via=ReliefWeb}} The flooding destroyed property worth millions of naira. 500 people were reported missing, including a family of 12 where only 4 members were accounted for and all 100 children from a madrasa.{{Cite news |last=Olaoluwa |first=Azeezat |date=June 1, 2025 |title='I watched helplessly as water washed my family away' in Nigeria floods |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdd2n66pg82o |access-date=June 1, 2025 |work=BBC News |publisher=}}{{Cite news |date=May 30, 2025 |title=Death toll in central Nigeria flooding rises to 115 |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/death-toll-central-nigeria-flooding-160215332.html |access-date=May 30, 2025 |publisher= |via=Yahoo News |agency=Agence France-Presse}} More than 3,000 houses were affected, including 265 destroyed.{{Cite news |last=Egbejule |first=Eromo |date=May 30, 2025 |title=At least 115 die in Nigeria floods as rescue efforts continue |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/30/niger-central-nigeria-floods-death-toll |access-date=May 30, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} NEMA provided food and non-food relief items including rice, blankets, and mats.

Reactions

Senator Sani Musa extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State following the floods and its surrounding communities and donated 50 million naira and several truckloads of food items, including rice, millet and maize to displaced families and vulnerable individuals across the affected areas.{{Cite news |last=Abuja |first=John Akubo |date=May 31, 2025 |title=Musa donates ₦50m, food trucks to Mokwa flood victims |url=https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/musa-donates-%E2%82%A650m-food-trucks-to-mokwa-flood-victims/ |access-date=June 1, 2025 |work=The Guardian Nigeria |publisher=}} President Bola Tinubu activated the National Emergency Response Centre and deployed federal agencies. Relief materials and temporary shelters were provided.{{Cite news |last=Seabrook |first=Victoria |date=May 31, 2025 |title=At least 150 killed after heavy flooding in Nigeria |url=https://news.sky.com/story/at-least-150-killed-after-heavy-flooding-in-nigeria-13377304 |access-date=June 1, 2025 |work=Sky News |publisher=}}