The government of Nigeria’s Niger State has revealed that more than 700 people are missing, with 207 confirmed dead, after severe flooding wreaked havoc in the Mokwa area, displacing thousands.
The figures were announced by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, who represented Governor Umaru Bago during a condolence visit by Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former high-ranking security officer during Nigeria’s military era.
The disaster, which struck Mokwa Local Government Area in central Nigeria, has left over 3,000 households displaced, while hundreds of homes and commercial properties have been reduced to rubble.
“This is a deeply tragic event,” said Garba. “The damage is vast — over 700 people remain missing, and the destruction to homes and infrastructure is extensive.”
In total, 400 homes were damaged, including 283 that were completely destroyed, along with 50 shops. The government has called the event a national tragedy, stressing the need for swift humanitarian and technical responses.
Governor Bago expressed gratitude to individuals and organisations that have contributed relief and support. He also confirmed that professional bodies are currently conducting an investigation to determine the underlying causes of the flooding.
Major Al-Mustapha, accompanied by a delegation of influential Nigerians, said their visit was a show of solidarity with the government and the affected communities.
“We are here to share in your grief and to seek solutions,” Al-Mustapha stated. “We plan to meet with Mokwa’s traditional leaders to pray for the victims and explore preventive strategies for the future.”
He underscored the importance of improving town planning and environmental management to reduce flood risks going forward.
The delegation also made a courtesy call to former Nigerian military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida (retired) as part of their visit to the region.
