In the early hours of Thursday, the tranquility of Mokwa Town turned into chaos as immense floodwaters engulfed communities, leaving many families devastated. Adamu Yusuf, a 36-year-old father, lost nine family members, including his wife and newborn baby, as rapid inundation swept through the town of Tiffin Maza, one of the hardest-hit areas.
"I watched helplessly as water washed away my family," Yusuf recounted. "She woke me up when the flood hit, and I urgently gathered everyone to hold on, but the rush of water was too overwhelming." His wife and infant had only returned from her family home a day earlier.
Local officials have reported the death toll has surged, initially starting at 110 and then escalating to over 200, with fears of further casualties looming. This unprecedented calamity has left a profound impression on the Tiffin Maza community, which is struggling to cope with grief and devastation. Streets are strewn with household remnants, and the buildings left standing bear the cruel marks of the flood’s wrath.
Nineteen-year-old Isa Muhammed also shared his sorrow, lamenting the loss of his beloved teacher and several of his family members. "The cries for help were deafening; no one could do anything as the water consumed them,” he expressed, still reeling from the tragic loss.
In the aftermath, the communities are pulling together, offering condolences and aiding in search efforts for missing individuals among the wreckage. Reports indicate floodwaters reached heights of 7 feet in certain areas. With the rushing waters now receding, residents have begun to search for the deceased, seeking to provide dignified burials for their lost loved ones.
The calamity has left families, such as that of Ramat Sulaiman, with nowhere to live, as many houses have been completely destroyed. "I have never witnessed floods like this in my life," she recounted, noting the heartbreaking loss of children from a nearby Quranic school, who were swept away as they called for help.
While authorities investigate the flood's origins—rumors suggest a dam breach—locals remain convinced the torrential waters were not simply the result of heavy rainfall. Many, including community leaders, dismiss claims of rain-induced flooding, citing the suddenness and severity with which the water struck.
The National Emergency Management Agency is currently responding, providing medical aid to the injured and relocating displaced victims to resettlement areas. As Niger state braces for an extended rainy season, families are left to salvage what remains of their lives amidst overwhelming sorrow and uncertainty. For many, like Adamu Yusuf, there may be no healing from such profound loss.
"I watched helplessly as water washed away my family," Yusuf recounted. "She woke me up when the flood hit, and I urgently gathered everyone to hold on, but the rush of water was too overwhelming." His wife and infant had only returned from her family home a day earlier.
Local officials have reported the death toll has surged, initially starting at 110 and then escalating to over 200, with fears of further casualties looming. This unprecedented calamity has left a profound impression on the Tiffin Maza community, which is struggling to cope with grief and devastation. Streets are strewn with household remnants, and the buildings left standing bear the cruel marks of the flood’s wrath.
Nineteen-year-old Isa Muhammed also shared his sorrow, lamenting the loss of his beloved teacher and several of his family members. "The cries for help were deafening; no one could do anything as the water consumed them,” he expressed, still reeling from the tragic loss.
In the aftermath, the communities are pulling together, offering condolences and aiding in search efforts for missing individuals among the wreckage. Reports indicate floodwaters reached heights of 7 feet in certain areas. With the rushing waters now receding, residents have begun to search for the deceased, seeking to provide dignified burials for their lost loved ones.
The calamity has left families, such as that of Ramat Sulaiman, with nowhere to live, as many houses have been completely destroyed. "I have never witnessed floods like this in my life," she recounted, noting the heartbreaking loss of children from a nearby Quranic school, who were swept away as they called for help.
While authorities investigate the flood's origins—rumors suggest a dam breach—locals remain convinced the torrential waters were not simply the result of heavy rainfall. Many, including community leaders, dismiss claims of rain-induced flooding, citing the suddenness and severity with which the water struck.
The National Emergency Management Agency is currently responding, providing medical aid to the injured and relocating displaced victims to resettlement areas. As Niger state braces for an extended rainy season, families are left to salvage what remains of their lives amidst overwhelming sorrow and uncertainty. For many, like Adamu Yusuf, there may be no healing from such profound loss.
