The Nigerian Senate has called on the federal government to launch a full-scale investigation into the devastating flood that struck Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
Rising from plenary on Tuesday, lawmakers also demanded immediate and sustainable flood control interventions, including the urgent dredging of the River Niger to prevent future disasters of similar magnitude.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Peter Jiya (Niger South) and supported by 21 others.
Jiya recounted that torrential rainfall on May 29 and 30 triggered a catastrophic flood that ravaged three communities in Mokwa, killing over 700 people—though only around 300 bodies have been recovered.
Among the victims were pupils from four local Islamiyya schools. The disaster, he said, wiped out vital infrastructure including bridges, rail lines, roads, vehicles, and over 50,000 hectares of farmland.
Over 3,000 people have been forced into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, and more than 9,500 residents have been affected.
“The flood destroyed properties estimated at over N10 billion,” Jiya told his colleagues. “Despite prior warnings from NiMet and letters I wrote to the Ecological Fund Office in 2023, no preventive measures were taken.”
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) echoed his concerns, blaming government inaction for the tragedy. “This was a disaster foretold.
Agencies failed to respond to early warnings, and now lives have been lost unnecessarily,” Umeh said.
In its resolutions, the Senate urged:
The dredging of River Niger to improve water flow and curb flooding;
An investigation into the Mokwa incident and similar floods across Nigeria;
Swift delivery of relief materials promised by Vice-President Kashim Shettima;
Immediate relocation of people living in high-risk flood zones;
READ ALSO: Mokwa Flood: 207 Persons Confirmed Dead, 700 Still Missing — Niger Govt
Distribution of food, clean water, medical supplies, and temporary shelters to affected communities;
An on-the-spot assessment by Senate committees on works, housing, and water resources.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, expressed the chamber’s condolences to the people of Niger State. “This tragedy must be a turning point. We must act early and invest in resilient infrastructure to protect our citizens from climate-related disasters,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) attributed the flood to climate change and deforestation.
Ibrahim Hussaini, the agency’s acting director-general, described the event as “unprecedented,” noting that previously flood-free zones are now at high risk due to shifting environmental conditions.
The Senate’s call signals growing urgency among lawmakers to address Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters and hold responsible agencies accountable.