President Bola Tinubu has ordered urgent search and rescue operations after devastating floods in Niger State claimed at least 151 lives and displaced over 3,000 people. The president directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and security agencies to scale up relief efforts and ensure aid reaches the hardest-hit communities.
The floods, triggered by torrential rains on Wednesday night, caused widespread destruction in the central town of Mokwa, a key commercial hub linking Nigeria’s southern markets with the northern agricultural belt. According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), more than 265 homes were destroyed, and over 500 households affected.
Mokwa’s strategic location has made the impact especially severe, with damaged roads and collapsed bridges cutting off access to essential goods and services. The disaster has disrupted trade routes, further deepening the region’s humanitarian crisis. On Friday, NEMA hosted a multi-stakeholder meeting themed “Building Resilience, Improving Preparedness and Response” to tackle Nigeria’s growing vulnerability to seasonal floods. Officials emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures, including better infrastructure planning and early warning systems.
Niger State authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage. Emergency shelters have been set up, while local and federal agencies work to deliver food, water, and medical supplies to affected residents. The floods are among the deadliest in recent Nigerian history and highlight the escalating impact of climate change and poor infrastructure on vulnerable communities.
