A total of twelve individuals from one extended family perished in the flooding that struck the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities within the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State during the late hours of Wednesday night.
The flooding reportedly left numerous individuals unaccounted for, with more than 50 almajirai among them, and also led to the destruction of many homes.
Mokwa serves as a resting and parking area for both travelers and large vehicles, which makes it one of the most bustling towns in Niger State.
Daily Trust learned that numerous casualties from the event, thought to have been triggered by heavy rainfall on Wednesday evening, included many children and women.
Even though the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported 21 fatalities, local residents believe the death toll might exceed 60.
A student from the Niger State College of Health Technology named Binta, who was visiting Mokwa for her break, was also one of those who died. It has been reported that her remains were found.
A local resident named Hajiya Hassana Mokwa informed Daily Trust that out of her brother’s family, which consists of 13 people, 12 tragically lost their lives in the incident; the sole survivor is currently hospitalized.
She mentioned that the incident also resulted in the deaths of several students from a Quranic school owned by her cousin.
'in his sibling's dwelling, there were thirteen individuals, but just one person emerged alive and is presently hospitalized.'
Many students at a Quranic school run by our cousin also perished. No one survived inside that home, as the whole structure was completely engulfed. If you visit the site today, it would be hard to tell that a house had ever been constructed there.
"There is a single-story structure that used to be a residence. It was entirely underwater. While speaking with you, no one has determined the number of individuals trapped under the debris of that building," she stated.
As of 7 pm yesterday, she stated that funerals were underway for individuals whose remains had been retrieved.
In an interview with Daily Trust, a local named Mallam Hamza Mahmud mentioned that they found two bodies belonging to his relatives, whereas three more individuals from his family are still unaccounted for.
He stated that the death toll exceeded 60 individuals.
A pregnant woman’s body was found around 6 pm, and four of her children are still missing.
According to sources, more than 50 students from another Islamic school had not been located by 7 pm last night.
One source, Alhaji Baba Adamu, stated: "Most of those affected are primarily women and children. While there are some adult males among them, their numbers do not match those of the deceased women and children." He added, "A woman’s remains were retrieved around 6 PM. Additionally, there is a Quranic school where many students remain missing."
It was reportedly stated that the flooding had severed the primary route connecting the Northern and Southern areas via Mokwa, resulting in significant traffic congestion.
Locals informed Daily Trust that 60 corpses have been retrieved, with more than 50 people still unaccounted for.
The chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area, Jibril Abdullahi Muregi, speaking to our correspondent over the phone, mentioned that 15 bodies had been found up until 12 PM.
He mentioned that the internally displaced individuals were taking refuge in public primary schools located in Mokwa.
'Numerous lives have been lost. Up until now, 15 corpses have been found, and many properties have suffered damage.'
The flooding occurred due to the heavy rain yesterday (Wednesday). The excessive water came from the Zugurma area; however, Mokwa town also faces issues with soil erosion.
'The victims are in dire need of intervention because currently, some of them have been camped in public primary schools. We also need medical assistance for the victims because some of them have been affected psychologically and by environmental pollution,' Muregi said.
A local named Mallam Bala Umar stated that by 1 PM, more than 20 corpses had been retrieved.
The full scale of devastation and the total number of casualties remain unknown since bodies continue to be retrieved from the water until now.
This water originated from an unknown source. The rainfall during the night wasn’t particularly intense.
"Travelers are stuck since traffic has ceased both coming from the north and heading towards the south due to the blocked roadway," he stated.
A fellow resident, Tswata Mai Rubutu, commented: " numerous households have lost their residences, establishments have been ruined, and valuable possessions have been washed away."
Ongoing search and rescue mission - SEMA
The Head of the State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba Arah, told Daily Trust that 21 corpses have been retrieved and 10 individuals remain unaccounted for.
He mentioned that more than 50 homes were demolished. Arah stated that three individuals—a mother and her two children—were saved and transported to the hospital for treatment.
'The NSEMA has received a report about a fatal flooding incident that devastated two areas, Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, within the Mokwa town of Mokwa Local Government Area.'
The event took place yesterday evening when there was an intense rainfall lasting for multiple hours. This heavy deluge caused swelling floodwaters that engulfed and swept away more than 50 homes along with everyone inside them.
'The agency, working alongside Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and incredibly courageous volunteers, has initiated search and rescue efforts.'
"So far, 21 bodies have been retrieved from those who tragically perished in the event, with more than 10 individuals still unaccounted for as search and rescue operations persist," he stated.
At the same time, State Governor Mohammed Bago has expressed sympathy for the victims and their relatives. In a statement conveyed via his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor termed the event as distressing, heart-wrenching, and lamentable.
'I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and property in the unfortunate incident, and pray that Allah will grant the deceased eternal rest', he said.
He instructed the Niger State Emergency Management Agency along with other pertinent parties to undertake prompt necessary measures and evaluate the circumstances to determine the extent of damage, aiming to provide relief to those impacted.
He appealed to the residents of Mokwa to stay calm, stating that the state government was committed to ensuring the security of all individuals.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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