— Tinubu sends delegation
L-R: Deputy Governor of Niger State, Mr. Yakubu Garba; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda when a Federal Government delegation visited Niger State over the flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, dispatched a high-level delegation to Niger State in response to the devastating floods that have swept through Mokwa and surrounding communities, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
The floods, which resulted in the deaths of at least 151 people and the displacement of over 3,000 individuals, have also destroyed more than 260 homes, township roads, and major bridges in Mokwa and Raba, 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, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
The team paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, to deliver the President’s message of condolence and solidarity.
This was contained in a statement signed by Idris media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.
Speaking during the visit, Idris conveyed the President’s deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating that Tinubu had ordered the immediate deployment of federal resources to support the relief effort.
“We are here on the directive of Mr. President, Bola Tinubu, to come and see the people of Niger State particularly the Governor and officials of the state government to commiserate with you; to sympathize and empathise with you on what has happened in Mokwa Local Government Area
“Mr. President is personally saddened by this and yesterday he directed that every available resources of the Federal Government should be deployed to Mokwa and that’s why you are seeing me in the company of my brother, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affair,” Idris said.
The National Emergency Management Agency has already conducted an assessment of the disaster and mobilised to deliver immediate support.
According to the statement, Idris confirmed that NEMA is working with state authorities to ensure victims are cared for, bodies recovered, and aid delivered efficiently.
In addition to the emergency response, the president has tasked the National Orientation Agency with ramping up public sensitisation campaigns, especially in flood-prone communities, to enhance disaster preparedness and response in future incidents.
“This is also a call to our people to take this as a warning against future occurrences, especially all those living around the areas where this kind of disaster is prone to happen,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation added that the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons would now take over from NEMA to provide continued assistance to displaced individuals.
Deputy Governor Garba expressed appreciation for the federal government’s rapid intervention and underscored the severity of the disaster.
He described the floods as one of the most destructive in recent memory, affecting 503 households across three communities and cutting off major access routes.
Garba added that the people of Niger State are devastated by the scale of destruction in the Mokwa floods, the statement noted.
The Punch
