MINNA, NIGER STATE — June 19, 2025 | By IDNN Environment Desk
In what has been described as one of Nigeria’s worst natural disasters in recent years, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has confirmed that 207 people have died and over 700 remain missing following a devastating flood that struck Mokwa Local Government Area.
Speaking through Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, Bago disclosed the updated casualty figures during a condolence visit from former CSO to late Gen. Sani Abacha, Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha.
“Over 207 confirmed dead. More than 700 persons are still missing and over 3,000 households have been displaced. This is a national disaster,” Bago said.
The flood, which occurred earlier in the week, destroyed homes, farms, businesses, and public infrastructure across Mokwa and surrounding communities.
CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE
Officials say the flood:
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Damaged over 400 houses
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Completely destroyed 283 homes and 50 shops
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Left thousands without shelter, food, or potable water
Governor Bago confirmed the state government is partnering with professional disaster management organizations to determine the root cause of the flooding and prevent recurrence.
A MULTI-ETHNIC TRAGEDY
Notably, over 50% of the victims were non-indigenes, giving the disaster a national dimension and drawing empathy across ethnic and religious divides.
“This is not just a Mokwa disaster—it is Nigeria’s disaster,” Bago said.
Representatives of Veritas University who visited Mokwa to donate relief materials echoed this view, urging broader support.
🇳🇬 CALLS FOR FEDERAL AID AND STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS
The state government is appealing for:
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Federal Government support
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Urgent disaster risk reduction planning
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Proper dredging and environmental controls
Bago praised individuals and corporate organizations who have made donations and called on the NEMA and Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to step in swiftly.
AL-MUSTAPHA LEADS SYMPATHY DELEGATION
Major Al-Mustapha led a delegation of elders and security veterans from across Nigeria, expressing solidarity with the people of Mokwa.
“We came not just to mourn, but to pray that such devastation never strikes again,” he said.
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