Flash floods in central Nigeria kill over 150, displace thousands

Devastating flash floods in central Nigeria earlier this week have claimed the lives of at least 151 people, displaced over 3,000, and destroyed more than 250 homes, according to Ibrahim Audu Husseini, a spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA). 

The updated death toll marks a sharp increase from the previously reported figure of 115, as recovery teams continue to find bodies up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Mokwa—the town at the heart of the disaster.

Husseini warned that the death toll may continue to rise, as floodwaters from the Niger River could carry more victims further downstream. In response, President Bola Tinubu announced ongoing search-and-rescue operations supported by security forces. He also confirmed that relief materials and temporary shelter assistance were being urgently dispatched to affected areas.

The torrential rains that began late Wednesday and continued into Thursday caused widespread destruction in Mokwa, a rural market town more than 350 kilometers (215 miles) from Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. Buildings collapsed, roads were submerged, and floodwaters surged through streets, complicating rescue efforts. An AFP reporter at the scene described residents and emergency personnel digging through debris while floodwaters rushed nearby.

“Some of the victims were found buried in the rubble of collapsed houses,” said Husseini, adding that heavy machinery would be needed to recover bodies still trapped. Many people remain unaccounted for, including a family of 12—only four of whom had been located by Friday.

Local resident Mohammed Tanko, 29, described the devastation: “We lost at least 15 people from this house alone. Everything is gone—our home, our memories.”

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that the Nigerian Red Cross, military, police, and local volunteers are contributing to the response. According to Husseini’s latest figures, 151 people are confirmed dead, 3,018 displaced, 265 homes completely destroyed, and two bridges swept away.

With Nigeria’s rainy season just beginning—typically lasting six months—such disasters are not uncommon. Each year, flooding triggered by heavy rains and poor infrastructure leads to significant loss of life and property across the country. Inadequate drainage, construction on water pathways, and indiscriminate dumping of waste exacerbate the issue.

NEMA emphasized the importance of responsible urban planning and flood prevention measures: “This tragic event underscores the dangers of building on waterways and the urgent need to keep drainage systems and river paths clear.”

The Daily Trust newspaper reported that thousands have been displaced, and over 50 children from an Islamic school are missing. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had issued flood warnings for 15 of the country’s 36 states, including Niger State, earlier in the week.

In 2024, Nigeria experienced one of its worst flood seasons in decades, with over 1,200 lives lost and 1.2 million people displaced across 31 states.

On Friday, children were seen playing in floodwaters despite the risks of waterborne diseases. Nearby, at least two bodies lay on the ground, covered with banana leaves and printed ankara fabric.

Sabuwar Bala, a 50-year-old yam seller, recounted her narrow escape: “I was wearing only my underwear when I fled. A stranger gave me clothes. I couldn’t even save my slippers. I can’t even recognize where my house used to be.”