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One Year After Mokwa Flood Tragedy, Victims Still Await Relief, Accountability

It has been one year since the devastating flood disaster that struck Mokwa in Niger State, leaving behind one of the darkest humanitarian tragedies in recent Nigerian history. The flood, which claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands of residents, continues to cast a painful shadow over survivors and grieving families who say they are yet to recover from the catastrophe.

The tragedy destroyed homes, livelihoods, and entire families within hours. Survivors still recount heartbreaking moments from that day, parents losing children, children losing parents, and many victims buried without proper dignity due to the scale of the disaster. In some cases, entire family lineages were wiped out by the floodwaters.

Despite the nationwide sympathy and generous interventions that followed, concerns are growing over the condition of many victims one year later. Several affected families reportedly remain without decent shelter, while many survivors continue to struggle with trauma, poverty, and displacement.

Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and political divides had shown uncommon compassion following the disaster. Individuals, organisations, state governments, and the Federal Government contributed massively in cash and relief materials to support victims. Reports at the time indicated that over ₦5 billion in donations was received through the Niger State Emergency Distress Account domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria.

Apart from cash donations, large quantities of food items, clothing, mattresses, and other relief materials were also donated by compassionate Nigerians and humanitarian bodies to assist displaced families.

However, fresh concerns have emerged regarding the management and disbursement of the intervention funds. According to public commentary shared by social commentator and influencer Yax Mokwa, only a relatively small number of victims reportedly received direct cash support ranging between ₦500,000 and ₦1 million several months after the disaster.

The commentator estimated that the total direct cash disbursement to victims may have been between ₦200 million and ₦250 million — a figure many observers say raises serious questions considering the volume of donations reportedly received.

There have also been allegations in some quarters that parts of the funds may have been diverted to individuals unrelated to the victims. While no official evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate the claims, many citizens are calling on the Niger State Government and relevant agencies to provide transparent records of how the donations were received, managed, and spent.

Observers insist that full accountability is necessary not only to restore public confidence but also to honour the intentions of Nigerians who donated generously out of compassion for the victims.

Many residents have expressed disappointment that the scale of government intervention seen after the tragedy did not translate into sustainable rehabilitation and recovery for the affected communities. Some temporary shelters reportedly established for displaced victims were eventually dismantled, leaving many families once again stranded.

Stakeholders are now urging the Niger State Government and relevant authorities to publish a comprehensive account of all donations received for the Mokwa flood victims, including detailed records of expenditures and beneficiaries.

Beyond the issue of accountability, concerned citizens are also demanding practical measures to prevent a recurrence of such disasters. Environmental experts and community leaders have repeatedly stressed the need for improved drainage systems, better urban planning, flood control infrastructure, and early warning mechanisms in vulnerable communities across Niger State and other flood-prone areas of the country.

As Mokwa marks one year after the tragedy, survivors say the memories remain fresh and painful. For many families, healing cannot truly begin until victims receive adequate support and the public gets clear answers regarding the humanitarian funds donated in the aftermath of the disaster.

The people of Mokwa, many say, deserve not only remembrance but justice, transparency, and meaningful recovery.