How Niger State Flood Killed 12 Members of the Same Family

Twelve members of a family died in a devastating flood that struck the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State late Wednesday night, May 28. The flood caused widespread destruction, washing away many houses and leaving over 50 almajirai pupils missing.

Mokwa, a busy town known as a resting and parking point for travelers and heavy-duty vehicles, was heavily affected by the disaster. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed 21 deaths, but residents believe the death toll could be much higher, possibly exceeding 60.

Among the victims was Binta, a student of the Niger State College of Health Technology who was in Mokwa for the holidays. Her body was recovered after the flood.

Residents recounted harrowing stories of loss. Hajiya Hassana Mokwa revealed that 12 of the 13 members of her brother’s family perished, with the sole survivor hospitalized. She also reported that several pupils from a Quranic school operated by her cousin died, and the building was completely submerged, making it difficult to determine how many were trapped under the rubble.

Funerals were underway by 7 pm on Thursday for those whose bodies had been recovered. Another local, Mallam Hamza Mahmud, said two members of his family were found dead while three others remained missing. He also stated that the overall death count might be over 60.

A pregnant woman’s body was recovered around 6 pm, while four of her children were still missing. Over 50 pupils from another Quranic school were unaccounted for as of the evening.

Alhaji Baba Adamu, a community source, added that most of the victims were women and children, with fewer male adults among the casualties.