Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, visited Niger State to express sympathy with victims and officials after catastrophic flash floods devastated Mokwa Local Government Area, killing over 153 people and displacing thousands.
On Monday, Obi shared via X (formerly Twitter) that he travelled with former minister Nenadi Usman and spokesperson Dr Yunusa Tanko to demonstrate solidarity with those affected by the disaster.
“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 posted.
Obi disclosed that he had earlier contacted Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago from the United Kingdom to offer condolences before making the trip personally. Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba welcomed him to the state.
“We discussed the urgent needs of the affected communities. Over 200 lives have been lost, around 1,000 people remain missing, more than 3,000 have been displaced, and numerous homes have been destroyed,” Obi stated.
During his visit on Monday, June 2, 2025, Obi pledged ₦20 million to support recovery efforts.
“As part of my commitment to stand with the people of Niger State during this difficult time, I made an initial donation of ₦20 million to support the government’s efforts. I will continue to assist,” he affirmed.
Obi urged a unified national response, calling on the Federal Government, emergency agencies, and Nigerians to aid the victims.
“This disaster, like many others across Nigeria, affects us all. As one family, we must come together to care for one another and provide comfort and solidarity in times of grief and hardship.
“May Niger State find peace and healing. I pray for God’s comfort for the bereaved, protection for the missing, and strength for all those affected,” he concluded.
Rising Death Toll and Displacement in Mokwa
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that the floods have claimed at least 153 lives and displaced over 3,000 people.
Acting Director General, Ibrahim Hussaini, stated that the toll increased after more bodies were found beneath a collapsed bridge. The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, also injured 11 people and destroyed three bridges.
Other communities, including Ndayako and Raba, reported no fatalities but faced widespread property damage and the loss of another bridge.
Submerged roads and debris have hindered rescue efforts. Officials said heavy machinery might be required to reach some of those still missing. Hussaini noted that the lack of access was delaying emergency response.
Many families in Mokwa are mourning deep personal losses, with some reportedly losing more than a dozen relatives. Civil servant Mohammed Tanko recounted that his childhood home had been swept away and at least 15 of his family members had died.
Red Cross teams remain active in the recovery mission, pledging to continue their search and support for grieving families.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had earlier issued flood warnings for 15 states, including Niger. In 2024 alone, floods have resulted in 321 deaths across 34 states.