President Bola Tinubu on Saturday dispatched a high-level federal delegation to Niger State following the catastrophic floods that devastated Mokwa and surrounding communities, claiming at least 151 lives and displacing more than 3,000 residents.
The floods, described as one of the worst in recent memory, also destroyed over 260 homes, key roads, and major bridges in Mokwa and Raba, according to figures released by the Niger State Government.
Leading the presidential delegation were the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. The officials met with Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba to convey President Tinubu’s condolences and assurance of federal support.
In a statement signed by Idris’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister expressed Tinubu’s deep sorrow over the tragedy and confirmed that the President had directed the immediate deployment of federal resources for emergency relief.
“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 sympathise and empathise with you on what has happened in Mokwa Local Government Area,” Idris said.
He added, “Mr. President is personally saddened by this and yesterday he directed that every available resource of the Federal Government should be deployed to Mokwa.”
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has already completed an initial disaster assessment and mobilised relief materials for distribution in affected areas. NEMA is collaborating with state authorities to ensure efficient recovery of victims, delivery of aid, and provision of temporary shelter.
To prevent future occurrences, President Tinubu has also directed the National Orientation Agency to intensify public sensitisation campaigns in flood-prone regions to boost awareness and preparedness.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs noted that the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons will now take over from NEMA in offering sustained assistance to displaced residents.
In response, Deputy Governor Garba thanked the President for the swift intervention and highlighted the scale of the disaster, revealing that 503 households across three communities were affected, with major access roads cut off.
Garba said the people of Niger State are deeply devastated by the extent of the damage caused by the floods.
What You Should Know
The deadly Mokwa floods have left over 151 people dead and thousands displaced, prompting a swift response from President Tinubu.
Federal agencies are now working alongside state officials to deliver relief and long-term support, while public awareness efforts are being ramped up to prevent future disasters.
