NIGER FLOOD: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised a red flag over the rising death toll from the devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, describing the situation as tragic and calling for urgent national action to stop further loss of lives.
In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku revealed that the death toll from the Mokwa flooding had climbed from the initially reported 21 to over 100 — a sharp rise that highlights the scale of the disaster. He expressed sympathy with grieving families and called for serious steps to tackle Nigeria’s yearly flooding menace.
“I have just been updated that the death toll from the tragic flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, has jumped from 21 to over 100… We must proactively plan how to avert further loss of lives in other areas of our country prone to flooding,” Atiku said.
While many reactions have focused on the loss of life, Atiku’s statement shifts the attention to a bigger issue: the lack of long-term planning and early response systems for flood disasters in Nigeria.
According to reports, the flood swept through Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities, destroying homes, farms, schools, and key infrastructure. Thousands have been displaced, while many are still missing. Emergency teams are on the ground, but residents say more support is needed.
Atiku used the tragic moment to urge the federal and state governments to move beyond emergency response and implement real solutions that can prevent floods before they happen.
“The tragic situation in Mokwa serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive and proactive flood management strategies across the country,” he added.
