Tragedy Strikes as Niger State Faces Devastating Floods

Flooding in northern Nigeria has led to a rising death toll and immeasurable devastation in the community of Mokwa, as families cope with the aftermath and search for answers.

Adamu Yusuf's life shattered on Thursday when floods swept through Tiffin Maza, a community in Mokwa, where he tragically lost nine family members, including his wife and newborn baby. The 36-year-old father shared his desperate struggle: “She was the one that woke me up when the flood hit. I told everyone to hold one another, but as we stepped outside, we saw water everywhere.”

The couple had only just returned from staying at his in-laws’ home after the birth of their child. “I watched helplessly as the water washed away my family. I survived because I could swim,” Mr. Yusuf said, his voice breaking.

Local officials reported that the death toll has tragically surged past 200, with fears it may rise further. The impact of the flood has left the community, once bustling with life, in ruins. On the streets of Tiffin Maza, families sift through debris, searching for remnants of their past lives. “I lost everything to this flood. The only valuable I have now is this cloth I am wearing,” Mr. Yusuf lamented.

Nineteen-year-old Isa Muhammed also experienced heartbreak as he mourned the loss of his beloved teacher, who was trapped in a collapsing house during the deluge. Among the dead were the teacher's daughter and other family members. “He taught me to value education... I haven’t been able to sleep since,” Mr. Muhammed said, as tears filled his eyes.

With the floodwaters receding, residents began to gather and offer help to one another, while also searching for those still unaccounted for. The echoes of sorrow and confusion are palpable. One resident, 65-year-old Ramat Sulaiman, recalled witnessing the heartbreaking scenes of children crying for help as they succumbed to the flood’s fury. “I have never seen floods like this in my life, but I am grateful my family survived,” she shared, although her home was completely destroyed.

Meanwhile, the source of the flood remains a mystery. Tensions are high as residents debate the reasons behind the sudden surge of water. While some attribute it to heavy rainfall, others insist that the flood appeared without warning, catching them off-guard. Authorities have launched an investigation into whether a dam failure contributed to the disaster’s severity.

As the National Emergency Management Agency mobilizes resources to assist those displaced, the rainy season lingers, worsening the risk for those in flood-prone areas. The aftermath of this disaster will haunt many, as residents like Mr. Yusuf grapple with their losses, accepting the reality of an uncertain future while clinging to their will to survive.