The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has visited Niger State to commiserate with victims and authorities following the devastating flash floods that struck Mokwa Local Government Area. The disaster has claimed over 153 lives and displaced thousands.
In a post shared Monday on X (formerly Twitter), Obi said he travelled with former Minister Nenadi Usman and his spokesperson Dr. Yunusa Tanko to show solidarity with the affected communities.
“Today, along with @SenNenadiUsman and Dr @YunusaTanko, I travelled to Niger State to condole and show solidarity with the Governor and the good people of the state over the devastating floods in the Mokwa area,” he wrote.
Obi revealed that he had earlier called Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago from the UK to offer his condolences. He was received in the state by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba.
“We had a discussion about the urgent needs of the affected communities, where over 200 lives have been lost, about 1,000 persons remain missing, more than 3,000 have been displaced, and numerous homes destroyed,” Obi noted.
As part of his support, the former Anambra State governor announced a ₦20 million donation to aid relief and recovery efforts.
“I made an initial donation of ₦20 million to support the government’s efforts and will continue to do my part,” he said.
Obi called for a united national response, urging the Federal Government, emergency agencies, and concerned Nigerians to assist the victims.
“This incident, like others across Nigeria, affects us all. As one family, we must come together to care for one another, especially in times of grief and hardship,” he said.
“May Niger State find peace and restoration. I pray for comfort for grieving families, protection for the missing, and strength for all affected by this tragedy.”
Rising death toll and destruction
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that at least 153 people have died and more than 3,000 have been displaced by the flood, triggered by heavy overnight rains last week. The death toll rose after several bodies were recovered from beneath a collapsed bridge.
The floods also injured 11 people and destroyed at least three bridges. While communities like Ndayako and Raba reported no fatalities, they suffered significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
Rescue operations have been hindered by submerged roads, and officials say heavy machinery may be needed to access some areas. NSEMA Acting Director General Ibrahim Hussaini said limited access was slowing the emergency response.
In Mokwa, families are facing heartbreaking losses. One civil servant, Mohammed Tanko, said his childhood home had been destroyed and that he lost at least 15 relatives in the disaster.
Red Cross officials on the ground vowed to continue recovery efforts, stressing that the anguish of grieving families must not be ignored.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had earlier issued flood warnings for 15 states, including Niger. So far in 2024, floods have claimed 321 lives across 34 states.
