Tragedy: Man dies trying to rescue baby as flood destroys home

DDM News

A tragic incident in Mokwa, Niger State, Nigeria has left a grieving family in tears after a local teacher lost his life in a desperate attempt to save his baby during a flood disaster.

The deceased, identified as Musa, was a teacher at Hakimi Secondary School, Mokwa. He died alongside his baby when the house collapsed under the force of a massive flood.

According to a report by Daily Trust and confirmed by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Musa had initially escaped the house with his wife, Fatima Musa, after neighbors raised the alarm about an approaching flood.

Fatima recounted how the tragic moment unfolded.

She said that while they both managed to run outside, she suddenly remembered that their baby was still inside the house.

She told her husband to go back and get the child.

Without hesitation, Musa ran back into the building.

Fatima said the floodwaters had gained such strength that they slammed the door shut as soon as Musa entered.

Moments later, the weakened structure collapsed on him and the baby.

Both were trapped under the rubble and could not be rescued alive.

Fatima described the incident as the worst experience of her life.

Tears flowed freely as she narrated how her husband had always put his family first, even in the most dangerous moment of their lives.

“He was a good man,” she said, struggling to hold back sobs.

Fatima added that her late husband was the sole breadwinner of the family.

He had been committed to the education of their children, struggling daily to provide despite their modest means.

With his death, the future of their remaining children now hangs in the balance.

She made a passionate appeal to the government and kind-hearted Nigerians for assistance.

Fatima emphasized the importance of education and said it was her husband’s dream to see their children complete school.

Now, she fears that dream may die with him.

The flood that claimed Musa’s life has caused destruction in other parts of Mokwa as well.

Several homes were submerged, and families have been displaced.

Locals say this year’s flood is one of the worst in recent memory.

Environmental experts blame the recurring floods on poor drainage and unchecked urban expansion into natural waterways.

They also cite climate change as a contributing factor, with more intense and frequent rainfall overwhelming existing infrastructure.

In recent years, Niger State has witnessed multiple flood-related tragedies, especially in low-lying areas like Mokwa.

Despite repeated warnings and disaster predictions, proactive measures appear to have been minimal.

Community members have lamented the absence of timely intervention by emergency services.

Fatima’s case is now a painful reminder of the human cost of environmental negligence and infrastructural decay.

Local authorities have promised to investigate the matter and provide relief to affected families.

However, residents remain skeptical, as many previous promises have gone unfulfilled.

They are calling for more than relief, they demand long-term planning, early warning systems, and effective disaster response strategies.

Flood victims across the region are urging state and federal governments to act decisively.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has yet to issue an official statement on the Mokwa incident.

Meanwhile, local NGOs are beginning to mobilize support for Fatima and other survivors.

Calls are being made for school scholarships, food supplies, and psychological support for affected children.

As the rainy season intensifies, fears are growing that more lives could be lost if urgent measures are not taken.

Fatima, who is still trying to process her loss, said she only prays that her children will not suffer more than they already have.

She clutches a photo of her late husband and baby, now the only tangible memory left of what used to be a complete home.

Her story is now a symbol of both personal grief and public failure.

Her tears, echoing across the devastated community, speak of love, loss, and a desperate need for change.

DDM will continue to monitor the situation and report on efforts being made to support families like Fatima’s.

In the midst of sorrow, hope may still rise, if the nation listens.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook