A devastating flash flood has claimed 21 lives and left more than 10 persons missing in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, following a torrential downpour that struck on Thursday morning.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Hussaini, the disaster struck the communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town during heavy rainfall of high intensity that lasted for several hours.
The floodwaters submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses along with their occupants, resulting in significant casualties and property loss.
In response, NSEMA, in collaboration with the Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and courageous volunteers, launched immediate search and rescue operations to find survivors and recover bodies.
Officials said 21 people died from the flash flood in Niger State.
As of the time of this report, three survivors — a woman and her two children — were receiving medical treatment for injuries and trauma at the Mokwa General Hospital.
“So far, 21 corpses have been recovered, while search and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate more than 10 persons still missing,” Hussaini said.
NSEMA has assured the public of continued efforts to provide support and relief to the affected families and communities.
Six die in Akwa Ibom auto crash
Also, six people have lost their lives in a road accident along Mbiabong Road, near Itu-Calabar Road.
The victims include three males, one female and two children.
The accident involved a tricycle with registration DUU 407 WZ and a DYNA truck without visible plates. The truck driver fled before FRSC arrived.
The Federal Road Safety Corps in Akwa Ibom has confirmed the incident in a statement released by the Sector Commander, Assistant Corps Marshal, Edward Odiete.
Odiete warned motorists against reckless driving.
He said, “The tragic incident could have been prevented if the drivers had observed basic safety measures and precautions.”
The statement described the crash as unfortunate and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
It reads in part, “On Wednesday, 28th May 2025, at about 8:00 a.m., a fatal crash occurred along Mbiabong Road, off Itu-Calabar Road. The crash involved a tricycle with registration number DUU 407 WZ and a DYNA truck without a registration number.
“Four males, one female, and two children were involved. Three of the males, the female, and both children—six in total—were confirmed dead. The remaining male, who was the driver of the DYNA truck, fled the scene before FRSC operatives arrived.
“FRSC personnel quickly mobilised and responded to the incident. Upon arrival, the bodies of the deceased were transported to a morgue.
“Eyewitnesses reported that the crash was caused by speeding and brake failure. After the victims were evacuated, the road was cleared of wreckage to restore traffic flow.”
Odiete urged all road users to follow traffic rules strictly, warning, “The FRSC urged all road users to adhere strictly to traffic rules to prevent similar tragedies.”