The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has expressed condolences to families affected by the recent devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, which displaced over 3,000 residents and claimed more than 100 lives. Many remain unaccounted for after the early morning downpour and subsequent flooding on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
In a statement, HOMEF’s Executive Director, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, called for urgent government action to prevent future tragedies. He warned that without decisive measures, communities in flood-prone areas risk complete devastation.
“This is a horrendous recurring decimal. The lack of preparedness and ill-maintained infrastructure, combined with insecurity and more rainfall expected, will compound the displacement problems,” Dr. Bassey said. “We need to declare an environmental state of emergency across board. This national emergency could lead to food scarcity, environmental degradation, and worsening insecurity.”
Despite forecasts and early warnings from agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Dr. Bassey lamented that they become meaningless without proper relocation and safety measures.
Programme Manager for Fossil Politics at HOMEF, Stephen Oduware, noted that the flood’s impacts are intensifying, with more rainfall expected. He stressed the need for a comprehensive flood management plan beyond reactionary relief.
HOMEF attributes the increasing flood risk to both climate change and inadequate urban planning, calling for stronger climate action, preservation of wetlands and natural habitats, and investment in resilient infrastructure.
The group urged government agencies to coordinate effectively to provide relief and long-term solutions for flood-impacted communities.
