ABUJA, Nigeria — Catastrophic floods have claimed at least 111 lives in central Nigeria, after relentless torrential rains overwhelmed the market town of Mokwa in Niger State, authorities confirmed Friday.
The devastating rainfall, which lasted several hours on Thursday, triggered severe flooding. Reports from local officials indicate the situation was worsened by the collapse of a nearby dam, leading to widespread displacement and destruction.
As rescue efforts continued into Friday afternoon, more bodies were recovered from the floodwaters. Initial reports put the death toll at 88, but that number rose quickly as emergency workers uncovered additional victims.
“More bodies have just been brought in and are yet to be counted, but we have at least 111 confirmed already,” said Ibrahim Audu Husseini, spokesman for the Niger State emergency management agency, in a phone interview with The Associated Press.
Located roughly 220 kilometers (140 miles) west of Abuja, Mokwa is a vital commercial hub where southern traders source food from the country’s north. The town’s strategic importance has amplified the tragedy, with losses rippling beyond the immediate region.
A similar tragedy struck northeastern Maiduguri in September last year, where heavy rains and a dam collapse led to the deaths of over 30 people and displaced millions, further compounding an already dire humanitarian situation driven by the Boko Haram conflict.
Flooding is a recurring crisis in Nigeria, especially in riverine communities along the Niger and Benue Rivers. In the arid northern regions, short but intense rainy seasons—exacerbated by climate change—often result in deadly deluges.
Social media platforms have been flooded with videos and images showing the extent of the devastation. Entire neighborhoods are submerged, with rooftops barely visible above muddy waters. Residents can be seen wading waist-deep through the flood, rescuing neighbors or salvaging belongings.
Jibril Muregi, chairman of Mokwa’s local government area, blamed inadequate infrastructure for worsening the impact and urged authorities to begin long-delayed construction of waterways as part of a climate resilience initiative.
“This disaster was preventable,” Muregi said, calling the event a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate adaptation measures in vulnerable communities.