another devastating flood has struck Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State, just weeks after a similar disaster claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands.
Residents sounded the alarm on Monday, revealing that water levels had begun rising again in the same flood-ravaged area. The renewed disaster comes as the community struggles to recover from the May 29 catastrophe that left heartbreaking scenes of destruction.
According to residents, the fresh flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall on Sunday.
“Another flood is here again; it started not long ago,” one local told SaharaReporters, fearing the worst might happen again.
The area, already suffering from destroyed farmlands and mass displacement, is now in a heightened state of panic. Locals are pleading with the Niger State government and emergency response agencies to act swiftly and avert a full-scale humanitarian crisis.
Attempts to reach the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Hussaini Ibrahim, were unsuccessful as he was unavailable for comment at the time of filing this report.
The initial flood incident in May resulted in over 200 confirmed deaths, widespread loss of property, and mass displacement. Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes where bodies were found scattered across various parts of Mokwa town.
To date, many families remain displaced, and others continue their desperate search for missing loved ones.
A review of Niger State’s budget performance documents has sparked outrage, revealing that between January 2024 and March 2025, the state government spent N5.762 billion on honorarium and sitting allowances—outstripping funds allocated to erosion and flood control.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Honorarium and allowances:
- 2024: N4.813 billion
- Q1 2025: N949.2 million
- Total: N5.762 billion
- Flood and erosion control:
- 2024: N2.2 billion
- Q1 2025: N2.9 billion
- Total: N5.1 billion
Critics argue that while the state prioritized administrative expenses, investment in life-saving flood mitigation efforts remained insufficient.
Furthermore, the state and its Local Government Areas (LGAs) received N3.208 billion as ecological funds in 2024, a form of federal support meant specifically for tackling disasters like floods. Monthly disbursements ranged from N223 million to N394 million between January and December 2024.
The latest flooding incident has renewed calls for greater accountability, improved disaster preparedness, and transparent deployment of ecological funds. With rising climate volatility, residents fear more tragedies could strike unless the government implements effective preventive measures.
As the community braces for more rainfall, all eyes remain on state authorities to respond decisively and prevent a repeat of the May tragedy.
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