Devastating floods have swept through Mokwa and surrounding communities in Niger State in northern Nigeria, claiming 200 lives and leaving behind a trail of destruction.
According to the statement by the Niger State Government, the floods displaced more than 3,000 individuals and destroyed over 260 homes, township roads, bridges in Mokwa and Raba.
Responding to the disaster, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Saturday sent a delegation led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
The team paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, to deliver President Tinubu’s message of condolence and solidarity.
The statement signed by Information minister’s aide, Rabiu Ibrahim said that during the visit, the minister conveyed the President’s deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating that Tinubu had ordered the immediate deployment of federal resources to support the relief effort.
“We are here on the directive of Mr. President, Bola 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 empathise 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,” Idris said.
The statement added that the National Emergency Management Agency has already conducted an assessment of the disaster and mobilised to deliver immediate support.
The minister confirmed that NEMA is working with state authorities to ensure victims are cared for, bodies recovered, and aid delivered efficiently.
In addition to the emergency response, the President has tasked the National Orientation Agency with ramping up public sensitisation campaigns, especially in flood-prone communities, to enhance disaster preparedness and response in future incidents.
“This is also a call to our people to take this as a warning against future occurrences, especially all those living around the areas where this kind of disaster is prone to happen,” he added.
GIK/APA