By Charles Maduka
President Bola Tinubu has dispatched a high-level federal delegation to Niger State following devastating floods that have claimed at least 151 lives and displaced more than 3,000 residents in Mokwa and nearby communities.
The floods also destroyed over 260 homes, major roads, and bridges in the affected areas, according to figures released by the Niger State Government.
Leading the delegation were the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. They were received by the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, who welcomed the federal government’s message of condolence and support.
A statement issued by Rabiu Ibrahim, media aide to the Information Minister, revealed that President Tinubu was deeply saddened by the incident and had ordered the immediate deployment of federal emergency resources to assist the victims.
“We are here on the directive of President Bola Tinubu to sympathize and stand in solidarity with the government and people of Niger State,” Idris said. “He has directed that all available federal support be mobilised to bring relief to the affected communities.”
The National Emergency Management Agency has already commenced an assessment and is working with state officials to deliver aid, recover bodies, and care for survivors.
To enhance long-term preparedness, President Tinubu also instructed the National Orientation Agency to intensify public awareness campaigns in flood-prone areas.
“This tragedy is a serious warning,” Idris said. “People living in vulnerable zones must take extra precautions as part of future disaster preparedness.”
Speaking during the visit, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs noted that the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons would take over the next phase of intervention to continue supporting the displaced.
Deputy Governor Garba expressed gratitude for the swift federal response and highlighted the scale of the disaster, which affected 503 households across three communities and disrupted key access roads.
He described the situation as one of the worst natural disasters the state has witnessed in recent years.
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