Over 300 communities have been flooded, displacing an estimated five million residents in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, located in North Central Nigeria.
According to reports from Channels Television, women and children have sought refuge on higher ground, converting schools into makeshift camps for internally displaced persons. These communities are also grappling with a severe water shortage.
During a visit to some of the affected areas, Channels Television toured Jifu and Muregi, both located at the confluence of the Niger and Kaduna Rivers in Mokwa.
Although schools in Niger State are currently in session, children from the affected communities will be unable to attend classes for several weeks, possibly even a month, resulting in a significant loss of learning time.
The situation is particularly dire for women and children, with health facilities submerged and clean water sources contaminated by the floods.
There is growing concern about potential disease outbreaks as the floodwaters mix with domestic waste, which is also the source from which residents collect water for cooking and drinking. Aishatu Yaya, one of the flood victims, expressed frustration, stating that despite the government’s promises of relief packages, they have yet to receive any assistance.
The floods have also devastated farmlands, leaving farmers facing major losses and raising concerns about the potential impact on Nigeria’s food security.
Audu Yaware, a farmer and community leader in Jifu village, voiced his concern over the current economic challenges, exacerbated by the recent hike in fuel prices, which has already hit the community hard. The added burden of the flood has left them in an even more precarious situation.
The Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area, Abdullahi Muregi, confirmed that while no lives were lost, properties and farmlands have been severely affected. He called for urgent assistance, stressing that the situation has overwhelmed the local government.