One year has passed since floodwaters devastated Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State, yet survivors still carry the weight of their losses. Hundreds of families remain caught in the struggle to rebuild after the May 29, 2025 disaster claimed over 200 lives and destroyed thousands of homes, schools and businesses.
The scars of that catastrophic day run deep across communities like Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa. Residents say they need more than sympathy—they want concrete action and answers about the billions of naira donated in relief efforts.
Rabba community faces a particular crisis. The bridge connecting the settlement to Mokwa and neighbouring areas collapsed during the floods, leaving residents isolated a full year later.
Farmers now struggle to transport produce to markets while traders waste time and money reaching other communities. Children and patients depend on a makeshift wooden bridge built by residents themselves through communal labour.
On May 29, 2026, youths, elders and community leaders staged a peaceful march and prayer session demanding action. They carried placards reading "Please Bago Fix Our Bridge" and "Fulfil Your Promise, We're Disconnected," directly appealing to the Niger State Government.
Alhaji Usman Ndagba, a community leader, told reporters that the bridge represents the lifeline of their area. He said residents appreciated earlier state funding for the temporary wooden structure but insisted only a permanent bridge could restore normal economic and social life.
The May 2025 flood struck without warning when torrential rainfall triggered a devastating flash flood across the region. The disaster displaced thousands and destroyed hundreds of houses, markets, farmlands and public infrastructure in what became one of Niger State's deadliest natural disasters.
The tragedy sparked widespread national response. The Federal Government, Niger State Government, corporate organisations, politicians, development partners and private individuals all announced interventions to support victims and rebuild communities.
Relief efforts brought in billions of naira and thousands of bags of food items. According to records released by the Niger State Government, more than N5 billion was received through the Niger State Emergency Distress Account from various sources including governments, corporate organisations, institutions and individuals.
Yet one year later, significant questions linger about how these donations were managed and deployed. Residents of Mokwa continue demanding transparency regarding the billions pledged for their recovery.
Critical infrastructure remains only partially restored across affected areas. The visible progress survivors hoped to see has largely failed to materialise, deepening frustration among communities still counting their losses.
What began as an outpouring of national compassion has become a source of growing public debate over accountability and proper utilisation of relief resources.
