President Bola Tinubu on Saturday dispatched a high-powered delegation to Niger State following a devastating flood disaster that has claimed at least 151 lives and displaced over 3,000 residents across Mokwa and surrounding communities.
Leading the 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 team visited Mokwa to assess the damage and deliver the President’s message of condolence and solidarity to the people of the state.
According to official figures released by the Niger State Government, the flooding—triggered by days of intense rainfall—destroyed more than 260 homes, township roads, and key bridges across Mokwa and Raba, severely disrupting local infrastructure and access.
During a courtesy call on the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, Minister Idris conveyed the President’s deep sorrow over the tragedy, noting that Tinubu had ordered the immediate mobilisation of federal resources to support emergency relief operations.
“We are here on the directive of Mr. President to commiserate with the people of Niger State and to ensure that every available federal resource is deployed to aid victims and communities affected by this disaster,” Idris said.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has since conducted an initial damage assessment and begun coordinating relief efforts with state officials. Aid distribution and recovery of bodies are underway, the delegation confirmed.
In a statement signed by Idris’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the President also directed the National Orientation Agency to intensify public sensitisation campaigns in flood-prone areas to enhance community preparedness and avert future tragedies.
Prof. Yilwatda announced that the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons will now take over from NEMA to continue providing support for those displaced by the floods.
Deputy Governor Garba, while thanking the delegation, described the disaster as one of the worst in the state’s recent history. He said more than 500 households across three communities had been affected and several major roads completely cut off.
“The scale of destruction is immense and deeply saddening,” Garba stated, urging continued support from the federal government and relevant agencies to rebuild affected areas and provide long-term relief.
The visit marks a significant step in the federal government’s response to the natural disaster, as efforts intensify to deliver aid and prevent further loss of life.
