MOKWA, NIGER STATE — A devastating flood triggered by intense early morning rainfall has struck the Kpege neighborhood in Mokwa town, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving an as-yet-undisclosed number of residents injured and displaced.
The disaster occurred around 3:00 AM on Wednesday when most locals were still asleep, catching many unaware and sparking urgent rescue efforts.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), under the leadership of Director General Zubaida Umar, confirmed that search and rescue operations are in full swing. Emergency responders from Mokwa LGA, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Nigeria Red Cross, and local volunteers are working round the clock to locate and evacuate victims.
“Rescued persons are receiving first aid on-site, and the injured are being rushed to nearby hospitals,” NEMA disclosed in a statement. The agency has activated its Minna Operations Office to deploy officers and essential mobile equipment. Additionally, a specialized team led by the Director of Search and Rescue has been dispatched from NEMA’s Abuja headquarters, bringing along Mobile Intensive Care Ambulances, Rapid Intervention Vehicles, and Mobile Water Treatment Units.
Security agencies, including military Disaster Response Units (DRUs) from the Kainji formation, have also been mobilized to assist in the ongoing operations.
According to NEMA, the top priorities remain the rescue of survivors, the evacuation and treatment of the injured, the recovery of deceased persons, and the provision of life-saving essentials such as food, water, sanitation, shelter, and security. “Restoring safety and normalcy in the affected area is paramount,” NEMA stated.
Residents living near the flooded area have been advised to stay alert and report any emergency developments to the appropriate authorities.
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A detailed damage and needs assessment will be conducted and shared with stakeholders to guide future recovery and support efforts.
This marks one of the most significant flood events in recent months, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of communities to climate-related disasters in Nigeria.
