Mokwa: FG Pledges Support to Rebuild Flood-hit Community »

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the recent devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, as a “national tragedy” that has shaken the entire country. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a condolence visit, the President expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction caused by the disaster.

In an address delivered by Vice President Shettima, the Federal Government conveyed solidarity with the people of Mokwa and Niger State, assuring them of continued support through all stages of recovery. The President commended the swift response of the Niger State Government under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who immediately activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate relief efforts.

The flood, which struck the Mokwa Local Government Area, left a harrowing trail of destruction. According to rapid assessment data gathered within 12 hours of the incident: 161 lives were lost, 13,354 people directly affected, 4,534 displaced, 458 households impacted, 186 injured, 84 people still missing, 265 buildings destroyed or damaged, Two major roads and five bridges, including the critical Goodwill Bridge linking Mokwa and Jebba, were washed away

The Vice President emphasized that these figures are not mere statistics but represent human tragedies, families torn apart and livelihoods obliterated in an instant.

In response, the state government, in collaboration with agencies like NEMA, WHO, UNICEF, and various civil society organizations, has set up IDP camps, deployed medical tents, and activated five primary health centres along with the General Hospital in Mokwa. Relief materials, including food, medicines, and hygiene kits, have been distributed, with priority given to those in IDP camps and affected villages.

The reconstruction of the collapsed Goodwill Bridge has already commenced under the supervision of the Federal Government, with CGC Nigeria Limited handling the project.

As a mark of respect for the victims, the Niger State Government has cancelled this year’s Hawan Bariki and Durbar celebrations across the state during the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir festival. The move is intended to honour the memory of those lost and stand in solidarity with grieving families.

“The Nigerian spirit refuses to be broken,” Shettima declared. “We respond with empathy, resilience, and unity. Together, we will recover, rebuild, and rise stronger.”

The Federal Government also pledged to work with state authorities and development partners to ensure long-term rehabilitation and prevent future disasters of this magnitude.

Vice President Shettima extended heartfelt condolences from President Tinubu and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that “no Nigerian is left behind in the face of disaster.”