MOKWA, Niger State — One year after the devastating flood that tore through Mokwa Local Government Area, survivors are still struggling to rebuild their lives while questions over the management of billions of naira in donations continue to generate public debate. On May 29, 2025, torrential rainfall triggered a devastating flash flood that swept through Mokwa, washing away entire neighbourhoods. More than 200 people lost their lives, thousands were displaced, and hundreds of houses, schools, markets and farmlands were destroyed.
According to government records, more than N5 billion was received through the Niger State Emergency Distress Account. Major donations included the Federal Government’s N2 billion and 20 trucks of grains, the Niger State Government’s N1 billion and 50 trucks of assorted food items, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s N1 billion, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello’s N50 million, Senator Sani Musa’s N50 million plus 800 bags of maize, and Peter Obi’s N20 million.
Chairman of the Mokwa Support Group Flood Local Committee, Dauda Liman, said many genuine victims remain displaced: “Some people benefited, but many genuine victims have not received anything. Some are still around the flood-affected communities because they have nowhere else to go.” Fatima Mohammed Goro, committee PRO, alleged beneficiary names were doctored: “We visited every affected household and submitted accurate information. Unfortunately, many of the names were changed before payments were made. Those additions denied genuine victims the opportunity to benefit.” Yahuza Abdullahi, who lost nine family members, said: “I lost everything. I expected more support. Many victims are still waiting for the houses that were promised.”
The Federal Government, through NEMA, performed a groundbreaking ceremony for permanent houses for victims about three weeks ago. The contractor has been mobilised, but residents remain sceptical. One resident said: “Apart from the groundbreaking ceremony, soil testing and preliminary site activities, nothing has happened. We are waiting to see how far they will go.” NSEMA Public Relations Officer Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini said cash donations were handled by the Niger State Ministry of Finance, while NSEMA’s responsibility was limited to verifying beneficiaries. Victims whose houses were completely destroyed were approved to receive N1 million (N500,000 immediate support and N500,000 pending housing). Families of deceased victims were approved for N1 million per life lost. Isah Abubakar, alongside two flood victims, petitioned the ICPC on June 26, 2026, urging investigation into alleged diversion and mismanagement. Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Mokwa Flood Relief Committee Chairman and Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba were unsuccessful.