Mokwa Flood: FG Rolls Out Relief Materials For Victims

• Vows To Rebuild Affected Communities, Releases N2bn, 20 Trucks Of Food
• Bago Cancels Sallah Festivities To Mourn Flood Victims

Following the devastating flood that rocked Mokwa, in Niger State which has left hundreds dead and thousands displaced, the Nigerian government has ordered the release of relief materials to the affected victims.

The Matrix Newspaper gathers that President Bola Tinubu has approved measures to rebuild the communitydevastated by the flood in Mokwa, Niger State.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu disclosed this during a visit to the affected community on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Shettima arrived in Mokwa at approximately 12:30 pm and was received by Yakubu Garba, the deputy governor of Niger; Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and chairman of the Niger State Traditional Council; and members of the state executive council.

The vice president lamented that the flood was a tragedy that had affected every corner of the nation.

“Mokwa has always stood as a vital crossroads in Nigeria’s geography and commerce. It is an agricultural hub and a cultural stronghold that connects the north and the south,” he said.

“This makes your pain a shared national burden. While this disaster is devastating, it will not define you. We will rebuild. We will restore the vibrancy for which Mokwa is known.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sends his heartfelt condolences and stands in solidarity with you during this trying time.

“He has directed immediate action to assess the damage and provide the necessary support to aid your recovery.

“We came to you today not just as your political representatives and leaders but as fellow Nigerians deeply moved by the tragedy that has befallen your community.

“Our hearts ache for the lives lost, the homes destroyed, and the livelihoods disrupted.”

Shettima said the federal government is also focused on long-term solutions to the climate crisis.

On immediate palliatives to victims, he said, “The President has already directed the Minister of State for Agriculture to relocate to Minna for the next week to see that the 20 trucks of assorted food commodities are delivered to this distressed community.

“Most importantly, we have to find windows of rebuilding lives and hopes of the people.

 “The Federal Government will expend ₦2 billion in partnership with the Niger State Government to see that homes destroyed by this flood are reconstructed. Human lives can never be compensated.

“This is why the President is very empathetic, very much worried, very much concerned about the plight of the hundreds of thousands of our people affected by this disaster.”

“Most importantly, we are on the ground. We are going to rebuild the bridges. The Federal Government under the able leadership of President Bola Tinubu has already directed the federal Minister of Works to immediately embark on the reconstruction of the four destroyed bridges, which is a lifeline actually, a major artery road that connects the South with the northern part of Nigeria.

“So, it’s our collective responsibility to see that we rekindle hope in our people for a better tomorrow,” the VP added.

Meanwhile, Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has suspended all traditional Sallah celebrations, including the Durbar and Hawan Bariki, in response to the recent flood disaster in Mokwa.

A statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, on Wednesday, said the decision was made “as a mark of respect” for victims of the flood, which left many displaced and grieving.

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

Governor Bago extended condolences to affected families and encouraged citizens to use the Eid period for prayers, charity, and solidarity with those in distress.

The Durbar, a key cultural feature of Eid marked by horse parades and public gatherings, will not be held this year, a move underscoring the administration’s focus on humanitarian response over festivity.

Reaffirming his commitment to relief efforts and long-term flood prevention strategies, Bago urged residents to approach the celebration with humility and compassion.

“As we commemorate Eid, let us do so with humility, empathy, and a deep sense of community,” he said.