By Ayomide Otitoju
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has visited Niger State to commiserate with the government and victims of the recent flash floods that ravaged Mokwa Local Government Area, leaving over 153 people dead and displacing thousands.
During the visit on Monday, Obi was accompanied by former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, and spokesperson Dr. Yunusa Tanko. He said the delegation travelled to the state to show solidarity with those affected by the devastating disaster.
“Today, along with Senator Nenadi Usman and Dr. Yunusa Tanko, 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,” Obi stated via his official social media handle.
He disclosed that he had earlier called Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago from the United Kingdom to extend his condolences before making the trip. The delegation was received by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba.
Obi expressed concern over the scale of the disaster, which he said had claimed over 200 lives, left around 1,000 people unaccounted for, and displaced more than 3,000 others. He described the situation as dire, with homes destroyed and entire communities uprooted.
In support of recovery efforts, Obi announced an initial donation of ₦20 million to assist the state government and affected residents.
“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 effort, and I will continue to support their recovery process,” he said.
He further called for a coordinated national response, urging the Federal Government, emergency management agencies, and all Nigerians to offer help to the victims.
“This incident, like many others occurring across Nigeria, affects us all. We must come together as one family to comfort, care, and support each other during times of grief and hardship,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that 153 bodies have been recovered, while more than 3,000 residents have been displaced following the floods. NSEMA’s acting Director General, Ibrahim Hussaini, revealed that additional bodies were discovered after a bridge collapsed due to the floodwaters.
Triggered by torrential rains last week, the floods injured 11 people and destroyed at least three bridges. Communities such as Ndayako and Raba also recorded severe property damage.
Efforts to reach victims have been hindered by submerged roads and difficult terrain, with authorities indicating the need for heavy equipment in ongoing rescue operations. Some families are reportedly mourning the loss of more than a dozen relatives.
A civil servant, Mohammed Tanko, who lost 15 family members, described the destruction as total, saying his childhood home was completely swept away.
Red Cross teams on the ground have vowed to continue search and recovery missions, responding to the grief and anguish of displaced families.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had earlier issued warnings of potential flash floods across 15 states, including Niger.
