Niger State Flood Tragedy: Over 700 Missing, 207 Dead in Mokwa Disaster — Government

MINNA, NIGER STATE — The Niger State Government has confirmed that more than 700 people remain unaccounted for following the catastrophic flooding that recently ravaged Mokwa Community in Mokwa Local Government Area.

Governor Umaru Bago made this disclosure on Tuesday through his deputy, Mr. Yakubu Garba, while receiving Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, who led a delegation on a condolence visit to Government House, Minna.

According to the governor, the flood has claimed the lives of at least 207 people, displaced over 3,000 households, and left massive destruction in its wake. “We are still searching for over 700 missing persons, and we are yet to ascertain their whereabouts. The flooding has caused extensive damage across the community,” Bago said.

He revealed that 400 homes were damaged, with 283 houses and 50 commercial shops completely destroyed. The state government, he added, has begun working with professional bodies to investigate the root causes of the disaster and is awaiting technical assessments.

Governor Bago also extended his gratitude to individuals and organisations that have provided donations and support, describing the disaster as one of national concern.

Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, who led the high-powered delegation of influential Nigerians from across the country, said the group came to express solidarity and sympathy with the people of Niger State and particularly the affected Mokwa community.

“We are here to register our condolences following the heavy losses and devastating impact of the flood in Mokwa,” Al-Mustapha stated. “We will be engaging with the traditional council in Mokwa and offering prayers that such a tragedy does not reoccur.”

He noted that the delegation would work with local stakeholders to explore preventive strategies, improve town planning, and enhance living conditions to mitigate future occurrences.

The flood in Mokwa stands as one of the deadliest natural disasters in the state’s recent history, prompting urgent calls for improved disaster preparedness, infrastructural review, and federal intervention.