A devastating flood has ravaged the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, leading to a significant loss of life and widespread destruction. Official figures from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported that the death toll had risen to 151, with over 100 people still missing and 3,018 persons displaced. The disaster, triggered by a prolonged heavy downpour, also resulted in the destruction of 50 houses, while 265 homes across three communities were affected. Additionally, 11 people sustained injuries, and critical infrastructure, including two roads and two bridges, were washed away.

The sheer scale and suddenness of the flood, which occurred after a downpour lasting several hours, shocked the local population. Many residents were caught asleep as floodwaters surged into their homes, causing buildings to collapse. Eyewitness accounts suggest the number of fatalities could be higher than official reports, with some claiming over 200 bodies were buried on a single day. Residents continue to search frantically for missing loved ones, hoping to provide them with proper burials. Alhaji Belle Ibrahim, a grieving resident, lost his entire family and described the event as the worst tragedy he had witnessed in over 35 years. Musa Adamu and Hauwa Kudu also shared harrowing stories of searching for missing relatives, including children.

The floodwaters also blocked the Tatabu Bridge in the Mokwa area, a key route connecting the North to the South-West, causing major traffic gridlock and stranding motorists for hours until local authorities cleared the road. The community leader, Mal Tanko Bala, lamented the immense loss, stating that in some families, only a few members survived out of many, and the search for the missing continues. He called on the government for urgent assistance.

In response to the catastrophe, President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre and expressed profound grief. He confirmed that relief materials and temporary shelter assistance were being deployed, and federal agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), were mobilized to coordinate with the Niger State Government to intensify rescue efforts and provide life-saving aid. NEMA's Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, confirmed that officials were on the ground coordinating response efforts, noting the severe impact on many families.

A high-level federal government delegation, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, visited Niger State to convey President Tinubu's condolences and solidarity. Minister Idris stated that the President was deeply concerned and had ordered the deployment of all available federal resources. The National Orientation Agency was also directed to conduct sensitization campaigns to discourage people from living near river banks to mitigate future disasters. The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs pledged to review the situation to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The Niger State Government, through Deputy Governor Comrade Yakubu Garba, confirmed ongoing search and rescue operations and assured that the state was working to provide relief. The state government approved the distribution of 6,000 bags of rice and other essential materials. Efforts are also being intensified for the construction of stormwater drainage in Mokwa and Mashegu council areas. Displaced persons are currently taking refuge at Mokwa Central Primary School. The Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba Arah, described the flood as beyond imagination and highlighted the vulnerability of the affected population, including Islamic scholars and a large number of unaccounted-for almajiri (Quranic school pupils).