### Catastrophic Flooding in Niger State Leaves Over 200 Dead

**ABUJA, Nigeria** - The tragic death toll from a devastating flood in Mokwa, a market town in Niger state, increased to at least 200 as of Sunday, according to local authorities. The disaster struck early Thursday following intense predawn rainfall, submerging the town located 236 miles west of Abuja, a major trading and transportation center where northern farmers sell produce to southern traders.

Musa Kimboku, the deputy chairman of Mokwa Local Government, confirmed the increase in fatalities and stated that rescue operations had been halted, as it is unlikely that any more survivors will be found. Efforts are currently focused on exhuming bodies buried under the debris to prevent potential disease outbreaks, Kimboku added.

Ibrahim Audu Husseini, the spokesperson for Niger State emergency services, reported that 11 individuals were injured, and more than 3,000 people have been displaced by the flood. The disaster has ravaged at least 500 households across three communities in just a matter of hours, leaving homes and livelihoods submerged. Residents could be seen wading through waist-deep water, attempting to rescue fellow villagers and salvage their belongings.

The flooding also caused significant infrastructure damage, with two roads being washed away and two bridges collapsing, further complicating rescue and relief efforts. In a statement released on Friday night, President Bola Tinubu extended his condolences and announced the activation of an emergency response plan to support the flood victims and expedite recovery measures.

Flooding during Nigeria's wet season is a recurring issue, exacerbated by climate change and unusual weather patterns. Northern communities, already battling prolonged dry spells, are unaccustomed to such severe flooding. Aliki Musa, a community leader in Mokwa, noted that the village is not prepared for the scale of this disaster. Jibril Muregi, the chairman of the Mokwa local government area, stressed the urgent need for flood-control infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.