President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to reconstruct and rejuvenate Mokwa, Niger State, following the devastating floods that claimed over 207 lives and destroyed hundreds of homes last week. “We will rebuild. We will restore the vibrancy for which Mokwa is known,” the President assured the community, offering a message of hope. To fulfill this pledge, Tinubu announced a N2 billion fund for rebuilding the affected communities. He also directed the immediate dispatch of 20 truckloads of grains to the genuine victims of the disaster. Furthermore, the President instructed Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal to relocate to Mokwa to oversee urgent relief efforts through the ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes) drainage project. ACReSAL, funded by the World Bank, is aimed at addressing land degradation and climate change challenges across 19 northern states.
Food distribution to victims will be coordinated with the Village Head of Mokwa, Mohammed Shaba.
According to the state government’s latest figures, 208 people were confirmed dead, 84 remain missing, and 13,354 were affected by the flooding.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who represented Tinubu in Mokwa, was welcomed by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, senior state officials, the Ndalile of Mokwa, and the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar.
Shettima was joined by Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris and Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, both from Niger State. He conducted an aerial survey of the flooded areas.
Addressing the people, Shettima said: “His Excellency, President Tinubu, sends his heartfelt condolences and stands in solidarity with you during this trying time.
"He has directed immediate action to assess the damage and provide the necessary support to aid your recovery."
"We will rebuild. We will restore the vibrancy for which Mokwa is known. While this disaster is devastating, it will not define you.
"The greatest honour we can give to those we have lost in this regrettable tragedy is our commitment to a future where such disasters are reduced through proactive measures and sustainable practices.
"In times like these, we are reminded that a tragedy in one part of our nation is a sorrow shared by all.
"The preservation of life, whether threatened by natural calamities or human actions, is a responsibility we all share," he said.
Shettima described Mokwa as a town of national significance, whose loss is felt far beyond Niger State.
“Mokwa has always stood as a vital crossroads in Nigeria’s geography and commerce. This makes your pain a shared national burden,” Shettima said.