Nigeria’s Flood Nightmare: Mokwa Tragedy Highlights Need for Proactive Measures

By Editor

A devastating flood struck Mokwa, a transit town in Niger State, North Central Nigeria, on May 29, 2025, displacing over 3,000 residents, destroying properties, and claiming over 100 lives, with many still unaccounted for. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for urgent action to mitigate the impact of future floods.

The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), a civil society organization, has expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent similar incidents. Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of HOMEF, noted that communities in flood-prone areas are at risk of disappearing if nothing is done to address the menace. He called for an environmental state of emergency and better emergency preparedness.

“There is no time for excuses. This is the time to declare an environmental state of emergency across the board. This national emergency can impact our national wellbeing by leading to food scarcity, environmental degradation, mass displacement, increased poverty, water-borne diseases, and exacerbate insecurity,” Dr. Bassey stated.

HOMEF’s Program Manager, Stephen Oduware, highlighted the need for holistic solutions to address flooding. “The rains are just beginning, and there are signs of more flash floods. Apart from the usual palliative measures and reactionary responses, what plans are in place to ensure that the already predicted localised heavy rainfalls do not result in the kinds of catastrophes we witness during floods?”

The organization believes that flooding is both a consequence of climate change and poor urban planning. HOMEF calls for immediate measures to address the root cause of climate change, improve practices that preserve natural habitats and wetlands, and invest in infrastructure that can reduce the frequency and severity of flooding.

As the nation mourns the loss of lives and property, there is a growing consensus that proactive measures are necessary to prevent future tragedies. The question remains: will the government take decisive action to address the root causes of flooding and protect its citizens?