Seven More Bodies Recovered In Niger Flood As Death Toll Rises
Seven additional corpses have been recovered following the devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, bringing the official death toll to over 200.
This was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday in Minna by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, who disclosed that four bodies were recovered on Monday, one on Tuesday morning, and two later that day.
Rescue efforts continue, though authorities fear there may be no more survivors. Over 500 people remain missing.
Residents and victims insist the flood was not caused by rain but by a suspected release of water from the Kainji Dam.
They said there was no heavy rainfall prior to the incident, which occurred in the early hours of May 29, 2025.
AbdulGafar, a resident who lost all his possessions, said the flood came suddenly and with unusual force.
“I believe the flood is not as a result of rainfall. If it was rain, it would have affected us in the middle of the night. We’ve never had it this bad before,” he said.
Another victim, Salihu Suleiman, also blamed the dam for the flood, saying he and his wife barely escaped with their lives.
“There was no heavy rain. Around 6am, we had just finished our morning prayer when my mother came knocking, shouting that water was coming. I ran out with only my singlet and boxers,” he recounted.
The flood submerged over 3,000 homes, displaced thousands, and washed away vast farmlands.
Many residents in nearby communities also noticed rising water levels before the disaster struck.
The Kainji Dam, situated on the Niger River near New Bussa, is a major hydroelectric power source for Nigeria and West Africa.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
