Midnight Flood Devastates Niger State: 21 Dead, Scores Missing

At least 21 people have been confirmed dead and dozens remain missing following a devastating midnight flood that swept through Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday night. The disaster, triggered by hours of intense torrential rainfall, caused widespread destruction and left the communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa reeling.

According to eyewitnesses, the floodwaters struck with little warning, submerging over 50 residential houses and catching many residents and commuters unaware. Panic and chaos ensued as people scrambled to escape the rising waters. Several vehicles — including commercial buses, private cars, and trucks — were also swept away or trapped by the flood.

With no immediate rescue efforts on the scene, drivers and commuters were seen struggling to navigate the waterlogged roads, desperately seeking safety.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has since confirmed the incident. In a statement, the Director General of NSEMA said:

“There was a torrential downpour of very high intensity that lasted several hours. The surging floodwaters submerged and washed away more than 50 residential houses along with their occupants.”

Rescue operations are currently underway, led by a joint team comprising the agency, Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and community volunteers. So far, 21 bodies — including those of a woman and her two children — have been recovered from the floodwaters.

Three survivors, including the woman and her children, are currently receiving treatment for injuries and shock at Mokwa General Hospital.

Officials continue to search for missing persons as the full scale of the tragedy unfolds.

Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and to relocate to safer ground as more rain is forecast in the coming days.