Over 42,000 Affected as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Nigeria’s North-East

Adamawa State, Nigeria – 5 August 2025

Disaster Assessment Reveals Scale of Tragedy

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Corporation Nigeria has released a comprehensive disaster report following severe flooding across six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa State: Yola South, Yola North, Numan, Demsa, Girei, and Lamurde. The crisis has left 6,732 households affected, 42,118 individuals impacted, 27 confirmed fatalities, 74 injured, and over 15,000 displaced, now seeking refuge in IDP camps and host communities.

The findings, based on a Rapid Needs and Risk Assessment conducted on 30 July 2025 by the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission, in collaboration with Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), DAWOS Foundation, AB Haske Foundation, and local authorities, document widespread destruction of homes, farmland, sanitation, and increasing risks of gender-based violence, disease outbreaks, and food insecurity.

IHRC Humanitarian Response and Partnerships

IHRC deployed emergency teams to deliver urgent relief, including:

• Distribution of Non-Food Items (NFIs) to over 850 households: blankets, dignity kits, mosquito nets, utensils,
• Essential medications for malaria, typhoid, and infections, in partnership with local health agencies,
• Psychosocial and protection support – including group therapy for women, children, and the elderly.

“The spirit of cooperation and urgency shown by Adamawa State officials is deeply commendable. Their partnership with IHRC ensured that thousands of affected citizens received not just attention but real assistance. This is a model worthy of national replication.”
— Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, National Coordinator, IHRC Special Monitoring Mission Nigeria

Leadership Commendations and Strategic Appeal

His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of IHRC Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, described the flood disaster as a part of a growing national emergency. He urged strategic, rights-based, and united responses:

“What we see in Adamawa is not isolated. Floods are recurring and threatening multiple states across Nigeria. This demands a coordinated, strategic, and rights-based national response.”

Ambassador Duru also:

• Commended the IHRC North-East team for their exemplary work,
• Called for deeper institutional cooperation between government and humanitarian actors,
• Urged joint flood mitigation and early warning systems, and investment in recovery and preparedness.

“Let this be a turning point—where the government and IHRC work shoulder-to-shoulder to prevent avoidable suffering and build a Nigeria where disaster response is swift, coordinated, and dignified.”

Key Humanitarian and Recovery Priorities Identified

IHRC highlights the following urgent needs:

• Food assistance for displaced families,
• Restoration of clean water and sanitation infrastructure,
• Provision of safe, durable shelters,
• Sustained psychosocial support,
• Livelihood restoration and income generation.

Additional recommendations:

• Improved access and logistics for aid agencies in hard-to-reach regions,
• Long-term investment in flood mitigation, climate awareness, and disaster preparedness.

A Call for Systemic Reform and Shared Accountability

The 2025 Adamawa flood disaster is a stark reminder of the fragility of communities amid climate change. Through coordinated assessments and field interventions, IHRC is committed to advocacy and direct support for affected populations.

IHRC now calls on federal and state governments, international donors, and civil society to seize this moment for systemic humanitarian reform, resilience building, and shared accountability.

Reported by:

Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Head of Media and Strategic Communications Nigeria

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A Call for Long-term Solutions to Climate-Induced Disasters in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – 28 May 2025

Condolences in the Wake of Unprecedented Tragedy

The International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation in Nigeria expresses its heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Niger State—especially the residents of Mokwa Local Government Area—following the devastating flood disaster that has claimed lives, displaced families, and destroyed property. The Mokwa flood has been described as one of the deadliest in recent Nigerian history.

Human and Structural Losses: The Scale of the Disaster

Triggered by torrential rains and the collapse of a nearby dam, the flood resulted in at least 151 confirmed deaths and left over 3,000 people displaced.
Critical infrastructure—including roads and bridges—was also destroyed, significantly hampering rescue and recovery operations.

Solidarity and a Call for Action

In an official statement, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission, IHRC Nigeria, reflected on the catastrophe:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the untold hardship inflicted upon the affected communities. IHRC Nigeria stands in solidarity with the victims and offers our thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.”

Addressing Root Causes and Building Resilience

Dr. Duru highlighted multiple factors contributing to the disaster, including:

• Climate change-induced extreme weather events
• Inadequate infrastructure
• Insufficient early warning systems

He urged the Nigerian government to invest in climate resilience, enhance flood management systems, and implement long-term strategies to safeguard vulnerable communities.

Commendation for Rescue and Relief Efforts

IHRC Nigeria commends the unwavering dedication of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), first responders, and community volunteers who have worked tirelessly to deliver relief and rescue services.

The swift response of the federal government, through activation of the National Emergency Response Centre and deployment of relief materials and shelters by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), is also highly appreciated.

Recommendations for Sustainable Solutions

IHRC Nigeria calls for collaborative action among state and federal authorities, government agencies, civil society organisations, and international partners to:

• Address the root causes of such disasters
• Provide urgent humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter, medical care, and clean water
• Ensure timely support reaches all victims

This tragic event is a stark reminder of the urgent need for long-term, preventive action.
IHRC Nigeria urges the Federal Ministry of Environment, NEMA, and state governments to prioritise sustainable flood management strategies, such as:

• Improved drainage systems
• Early warning mechanisms
• Climate adaptation programmes
• Stricter regulation of activities compromising waterways

Appeal for Community Education and Disaster Preparedness

IHRC further calls for greater investment in environmental education and community-level disaster preparedness to reduce future risks and enhance resilience.

Commitment to Human Rights and Dignity

IHRC Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting initiatives that protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, particularly in times of crisis.

Issued by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post 🌊 IHRC Nigeria Commiserates with Niger State Government and Victims of Mokwa Flood, Urges Preventive Action first appeared on ihrc.news.