President Bola Tinubu has sent a delegation to Niger state to condole with the government and victims of the floods that struck Mokwa and its surrounding communities.
Gatekeepers News reports that the flood claimed at least 151 lives, displaced thousands, and severely damaged homes, roads, and critical infrastructure.
The delegation, which included Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, and Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was received by the state’s Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba.
During a courtesy visit to the state government, Idris conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and reiterated the federal government’s unwavering support for the victims.
He said, “We are here on the directive of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to come and see the people of Niger State particularly the Governor and officials of the state government to commiserate with you; to sympathize and empathize with you on what has happened in Mokwa Local Government Area.”
“Mr. President is personally saddened by this and yesterday he directed that every available resources of the Federal Government should be deployed to Mokwa and that’s why you are seeing me in the company of my brother, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affair.”
The minister noted that National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has already conducted a comprehensive assessment of the disaster and mobilised relief efforts in
collaboration with the state government.
He added,” We are aware that they (NEMA) have been collaborating with the state government to ensure seamless operations. They also ensured that those who have lost their lives; the bodies are respectfully recovered; those who have sustained various degrees of injuries are attended to and every requirement that the government needs to put together are in place to ensure succour is being provided for those our brothers and sisters in Mokwa.”
Idris said the president has expressed concern over the recurring nature of such disasters in Niger State and is committed to developing long-term mitigation strategies.
He added, “This is also a call to our people to take this as a warning against future occurrence, especially all those living around the areas where this kind of disaster is prone to happen.”
In addition, the president has directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to partner with state governments to enhance awareness in flood-prone areas to ensure that residents take early warnings seriously and adopt precautionary measures.
Also speaking, Yilwatda noted that the federal government is already considering long-term support for the displaced
persons.
He said National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons has been instructed to take over from
NEMA and provide sustained care and support for victims of the flood.
In response, the deputy Governor expressed the state’s deep gratitude for the federal government’s swift and compassionate intervention.
He noted that the flood had displaced over 3,000 people, impacted more than 500 households, destroyed 264 houses, and washed away three major bridges, cutting off access to parts of Mokwa and Raba.
Garba said Tinubu administration’s response is “a clear demonstration of the
administration’s commitment to the welfare of citizens in times of crisis”.
