… As govt suspends traditional sallah celebrations to honour victims

President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate release of ₦2 billion for the reconstruction of all houses affected by the flood in Mokwa, Niger State.

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, disclosed this during a visit to Mokwa, following the devastating flood that destroyed lives and property, and left hundreds displaced.

The Vice President also said the President authorised the immediate release of 20 trucks of rice to be delivered to the victims.

Assuring that President Tinubu’s heart is with the people, Shettima said that all the issues affecting the people would be addressed.

According to him, the President has also directed that the affected bridges in the area be repaired immediately.

On the issue of drainage, Shettima said that the President had also directed the immediate rehabilitation of drainages in Mokwa town.

Government officials carried out a search-and-rescue operation in Mokwa following the flood that destroyed homes and left over 200 residents dead on May 28, 2025.

Over 200 bodies have been recovered after a flood wreaked havoc in communities in Mokwa on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs in Niger State, Ahmad Suleiman, said efforts were still on to recover more.

“We have more than 200 casualties or corpses but we are still looking for more. We are still recovering corpses up till now.

“Nobody can tell you the number of casualties in Niger State right now because up till now, we are still looking for some corpses,” Suleiman said while speaking on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief.”

He said the state government had activated an emergency response for the distribution of relief materials to the displaced victims of the floods, who are taking shelter in makeshift camps.

“The Niger State Government has put things in place and there are lots of contributions from various agencies and ministries. The damage on the ground now, you cannot get it on social media except a visit to the scenes. There is lots of damage at the moment.

“The state government has sent trailers of rice to the victims. The wife of the governor also visited the local government yesterday and donated N50m,” he added.

However, the victims displaced by the flood expressed dissatisfaction over the handling of relief efforts.

Many displaced residents have continued to decry the poor condition of the temporary shelter provided for them and the lack of access to supplies, including food items.

One of the victims, Mama Isah, said, “We are 17 people in my household, but we were only given one loaf of bread and some tea. How can that be enough for even our breakfast?”

Meanwhile, the Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, has suspended all traditional Sallah events, including the Hawan Bariki, Durbar, and other public gatherings.

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, on Wednesday, the directive comes in the wake of a devastating flood that struck Mokwa, leaving numerous families displaced and mourning.

“This decision was taken as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic flood in Mokwa,” the statement read.

“It is also intended to allow a period of mourning, prayer, and sober reflection across the state,” the statement read.

Bago extended heartfelt condolences to the affected communities and urged citizens to use the sacred occasion of Eid to offer prayers for the departed, engage in acts of charity, and show solidarity with those in distress.

The Durbar, typically a vibrant highlight of the Sallah celebration marked by horseback parades and cultural pageantry, will not be held this year. 

Its cancellation underscores the administration’s emphasis on humanitarian priorities over ceremonial traditions.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to rebuilding efforts, Governor Bago assured the public of ongoing relief measures and long-term strategies to mitigate future flood risks. 

He called on the people of Niger State to unite in compassion and resilience.