The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed officials to 15 flood-prone states to educate residents about imminent flood threats and encourage relocation from high-risk areas. This action follows the deadly flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, where over 200 people lost their lives and hundreds remain missing. The victims, many of whom lived in deep erosion gullies, were caught off guard despite earlier warnings.
The flood struck Mokwa, a key commercial town in Niger State, on May 23. It was the sixth major flood event in the state this year. In April, dam water overflow destroyed more than 5,000 farms across 30 communities, underlining the severity of this year’s rainy season, which typically lasts from April to October.
Niger State, Nigeria’s largest by landmass, is home to three major hydroelectric dams. While some speculated the dams may have contributed to the flooding, the Minister of Water Resources, Joseph Utsev, clarified that the disaster was caused by intense rainfall driven by climate change. He also blamed unregulated construction that blocked a seasonal tributary of River Dingi, worsening the flood’s impact.
NEMA spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel acknowledged that Mokwa had been identified as a high-risk area but noted the scale of the destruction was beyond expectations. He urged all communities to stay alert and act preemptively to avoid similar tragedies. “What happened in Mokwa was unprecedented,” he said. “Houses were built in a massive gully, and the flood hit with devastating force.”
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency has confirmed 160 deaths, including two children found beneath fallen trees. NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, visited the disaster site within 24 hours and has since overseen the deployment of advocacy and response teams across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. These teams are providing training in evacuation procedures, first aid, and flood preparedness.
According to the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas across 33 states and the FCT are classified as high-risk flood zones. The identified states include Abia, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Benue, Delta, FCT, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Rivers, and 21 others. Authorities continue to urge residents to relocate from vulnerable zones, adhere to safety advisories, and participate in local flood preparedness programs.
