Mokwa: The death toll rose to 151 after severe flooding hit Mokwa town in Niger state, north-central Nigeria, following heavy rainfall on Friday morning. According to local emergency officials, more than 3,000 people have been displaced, and over 500 households across three communities were affected.
Residents were caught off guard by the early morning rain, which led to water levels rising quickly and submerging many homes. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency said some areas were left waist-deep in water, with only rooftops visible in certain locations.
Mokwa is located over 300 kilometers west of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. The region is prone to flooding, especially during the rainy season, which typically lasts from April to October. Earlier this week, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had forecast heavy rainfall for Abuja and 14 other states, including Niger.
Niger state is home to three major dams that support the country’s electricity supply. While they play an important role in the power grid, excess water from these dams has previously contributed to flooding. In April this year, water released from one of the dams damaged over 5,000 farms in 30 communities, including Mokwa.
This is the sixth flood incident reported in Niger state in 2025. Local authorities and emergency teams are continuing relief efforts and assessing the damage.
