The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, expressed grief over the recent floodings that ravaged Mokwa in Niger State and parts of Edu Local Government Area in Kwara State, resulting in the loss of lives and extensive property damage.
It, therefore, asked the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency, to provide immediate emergency support and relief materials, including water purification equipment, to prevent disease outbreaks in the affected communities.
The tragic developments were brought to the floor as a motion of urgent public importance by Joshua Audu Gana (PDP, Niger) and Saba Umaru (PDP, Kwara).
The lawmakers stated that relentless rainfall from May 28 through the early hours of May 29 led to one of the most severe flood incidents the area has witnessed in decades.
On May 28, 2025, flooding caused by heavy rainfall submerged the market town of Mokwa in Niger State, causing severe damage.
Officials said that the floods killed at least 206 people, over 1,000 missing, at least 121 others injured and many homes destroyed.
In his lead debate, Gana said, “The House notes that the disaster resulted in over 500 confirmed deaths, with more than 600 people still missing and presumed dead. At least 200 others were injured and over 4,000 houses were destroyed.
“The House also notes and commends the magnanimity of the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, who donated the sum of N2bn through Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“The Governor of Niger State who also donated the sum of N1bn, non-governmental organisations and well-meaning Nigerians contributed to ameliorate the plight of the flood victims in Niger State.
“The House is aware that the flooding was triggered by torrential rain that began on May 28 and continued into the early hours of May 29.
“We are aware that the collapse of a nearby embankment of the old rail lines exacerbated the situation, leading to inundation of Mokwa’s commercial districts, including Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa.”
The PDP lawmaker noted that the flood swept away entire neighbourhoods, destroyed critical infrastructure, and displayed thousands of residents.
“The House is further concerned that the floodwaters often carry contaminants such as faecal matter, debris, and pollutants, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases.
“The House is disturbed that there is a heightened risk of outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, and acute watery diarrhoea in the affected areas.
“We are worried that the destruction of farmlands and disruption of food supply chains have led to food insecurity among flood victims, children, nursing mothers, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, which can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections,” he said.
After observing a minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives to the incident, the House urged the Federal Government to urgently improve flood control infrastructure and control disaster preparedness in flood-prone regions to avert future occurrences.
Two children drown
In another incident on Wednesday, a boy and a nine-year-old girl were found in a drainage ditch after a rainfall that broke out in Minna Niger State on Tuesday afternoon.Related News
The PUNCH learnt that the girl, the only daughter among three children of her parents, was sent to the Tunga Market, about two kilometres from their residence, to purchase some soup items.
She was accompanied by her elder brother, an 11-year-old boy.
It was gathered that on their return from the market, the girl slipped and fell into a drainage channel, while residents watched helplessly as the floodwaters carried her away.
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