21 Bodies Recovered, Scores Missing After Midnight Flood Submerges 50 Homes In Niger State

Minna, Niger State- No fewer than 21 corpses were recovered on Thursday , with many more declared missing, following a devastating midnight flood that swept through Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

The severe flooding, triggered by hours of torrential rainfall on Tuesday night, submerged around 50 residential homes and caught residents and commuters off guard.

The worst-hit communities were Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town.

In addition to the tragic loss of lives, numerous vehicles—including commercial trucks, private cars, and buses—were trapped in the rising floodwaters.

Meanwhile, drivers and passengers were seen struggling to navigate through the dangerous conditions, with no immediate rescue efforts available at the onset.

Among the recovered victims were a woman and her two children. Survivors, including these three individuals, were rushed to Mokwa General Hospital, where they received medical care for injuries and shock.

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the disaster in a statement:

“There was a torrential downpour of very high intensity that lasted several hours, and the surging floodwaters submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants.

In response, the agency, in collaboration with the Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and brave volunteers, are conducting search and rescue operations to recover survivors and bodies.

“At present, three survivors, a woman and her two children, are receiving treatment for wounds and shock, at Mokwa General Hospital. Twenty-one bodies have, so far, been recovered, while search and rescue operations are ongoing.”

Residents remain anxious as the search continues for the missing, with hopes fading but rescue efforts relentless. Authorities have urged people in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant as the rainy season intensifies.