Niger State Governor Bago Cancels Sallah Festivities To Mourn Mokwa Flood Victims.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has ordered the cancellation of all Eid-el-Kabir activities across the state to honour the victims of a devastating flood in Mokwa Local Government Area. The announcement, made on Wednesday, 4 June 2025, reflects the gravity of the tragedy that has claimed numerous lives and left communities in distress.
The catastrophic flood, which struck Mokwa on the night of 28 May 2025, has been described as one of the worst in decades. Torrential rains submerged the market town, particularly affecting the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa districts, washing away homes, vehicles, and livelihoods. According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), over 200 lives have been lost, with 503 households affected and 3,018 residents displaced. Three bridges and two roads were also destroyed, severely hampering relief efforts and disrupting local trade and traffic.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Governor Bago directed all emirates to observe Eid-el-Kabir in a low-key manner, suspending traditional Sallah events such as the Hawan Bariki, Durbar, and other public gatherings. “This decision was taken as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic flood in Mokwa,” the statement read. “It is also intended to allow a period of mourning, prayer, and sober reflection across the state.”
Governor Bago expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved families and displaced communities, urging Nigerlites to use the sacred occasion to offer prayers for the departed and engage in acts of charity to support those in need. “This is a time to stand together, to mourn our losses, and to help those in distress,” he said, as quoted by the state government. The cancellation of the Durbar, a vibrant cultural parade featuring traditional rulers on horseback, underscores the administration’s focus on compassion and recovery over celebration.
The flood’s toll has been staggering. As of 1 June 2025, 151 bodies had been recovered and buried, with 500 people still missing, according to local officials and NEMA. Rescue operations, involving NEMA, the Red Cross, and local leaders, have faced challenges due to collapsed infrastructure, with some bodies reportedly swept into the Niger River. The state government, backed by federal support, has intensified relief efforts, distributing aid and planning temporary shelters for the displaced.
Governor Bago reaffirmed his commitment to providing relief, rebuilding infrastructure, and implementing long-term measures to mitigate future flooding. President Bola Tinubu has also directed nationwide sensitisation on flood risks and deployed federal agencies to assist, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, leading a condolence visit to Minna on 31 May 2025.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum, chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the Mokwa flood as a “national tragedy” and praised Niger State’s swift response. As the region grapples with this disaster, Governor Bago’s call for unity, prayer, and support resonates, marking a sombre Eid-el-Kabir focused on healing and hope.
