On May 28, 2025, Nigerians awoke to widespread reports of severe flooding in Mokwa. The flood, triggered by over eight hours of torrential rainfall, reportedly claimed an estimated 500 lives and devastated farmland, homes, markets, and roads. Many observers have described this as one of the worst flooding incidents in Nigeria’s history. The disaster is said to have displaced over 6,400 people, destroyed 400 homes and more than 80 schools and health centres, and cut off over 50 communities.

The flood also destroyed Eppa Bridge, a key connection between the Northwest and Southwest regions of the country. As a result, travellers along the route were stranded for two days, and hundreds of truckloads of perishable goods, particularly fruits and vegetables, were lost.

Experts note that this tragedy could have been mitigated through proactive measures such as dredging waterways at the onset of the rainy season.