By Nkechi Eze
A devastating flood triggered by torrential rainfall swept through the Kpege neighborhood of Mokwa town in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State in the early hours of Thursday, 29th May 2025, leaving scores of residents trapped and injured. The deluge, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. while most residents were asleep, has prompted an extensive emergency response led by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Rescue operations commenced immediately with the combined efforts of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Nigeria Red Cross, and local emergency volunteers. Dozens of residents were evacuated from submerged homes, with some receiving immediate first aid while others were transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
In response to the scale of the disaster, NEMA has activated its Minna Operations Office and dispatched a specialized team from its headquarters in Abuja. The team, led by the Director of Search and Rescue, arrived with Mobile Intensive Care Ambulances, Rapid Intervention Vehicles, mobile water treatment units, and additional personnel trained for flood emergencies.
Military Disaster Response Units (DRUs) from the Kainji military formation and other security agencies have also been mobilized to support the ongoing operations, ensuring the safety of affected communities and aiding in the search for survivors.
“Our main priority is to rescue and care for survivors, evacuate the injured, and ensure the safety of the area,” a NEMA official stated. “We are also focusing on delivering life-saving food, water, sanitation, and temporary shelter to displaced persons while working closely with security operatives to restore calm.”
Residents in and around the flood-affected areas have been advised to remain vigilant and report any additional incidents to security and emergency response teams.
NEMA further noted that a comprehensive post-disaster assessment will be conducted in due course to guide long-term recovery efforts and support the coordination of aid from humanitarian partners.
