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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives has expressed profound grief over the recent catastrophic flooding that ravaged Mokwa in Niger State and parts of Edu Local Government Area in Kwara State, resulting in massive casualties and extensive property damage.
The distressing development was brought to the floor as a motion of urgent public importance by Hon. Joshua Audu Gana (PDP, Niger) and Hon. Saba Ahmed Umaru (PDP, Kwara), who disclosed 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.
According to the lawmakers, the disaster claimed the lives of over 500 individuals, with more than 600 still unaccounted for and feared dead. At least 200 people sustained serious injuries, and upwards of 4,000 homes were destroyed, leaving entire communities, particularly in Mokwa and rural farming areas in Kwara, in ruins.
While commending both federal and state authorities for their swift intervention, the lawmakers appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving a N2 billion relief package via the office of the Vice President. They also applauded the Governor of Niger State for committing N1 billion towards the recovery efforts, and recognized the valuable contributions of NGOs and well-meaning Nigerians.
The motion noted that the severity of the disaster was heightened by the collapse of an aging railway embankment near Mokwa, which worsened the flooding and wreaked havoc on economic centers such as Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa. Homes and infrastructure were destroyed, displacing thousands.
Raising concern about looming public health risks, the lawmakers warned that floodwaters contaminated by human waste and other pollutants could lead to outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases.
They further expressed fear over growing food insecurity due to washed-out farms and disrupted supply chains, noting that vulnerable populations—including children, nursing mothers, and the elderly, are at increased risk of hunger and illness.
In a gesture of sympathy, the House observed a minute of silence for the victims. It then urged the Federal Government to ramp up investments in flood mitigation infrastructure and improve national disaster preparedness, particularly in regions prone to seasonal flooding.
The legislators also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently deploy relief supplies, including safe water and purification equipment, to avert a health emergency.
The House directed its Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Legislative Compliance to ensure effective execution and monitoring of all planned interventions.
The motion was unanimously supported, with lawmakers emphasizing the urgent need for a well-coordinated, strategic national response to climate-induced disasters as the country enters the peak of its rainy season.