The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate nationwide sensitisation on the dangers of flooding.

Mr Idris stated this when he led a federal government delegation on a condolence visit to the governor of Niger, Mohammed Bago, in Minna on Saturday.

Among the delegation is the Minister of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Nentawe Yilwatda.

Mr Idris said they were in Minna to commiserate with the government and people of the state, particularly those of Mokwa, over the recent flood that claimed many lives.

He explained that the delegates were in Minna on the directive of Mr Tinubu.

According to Mr Idris, the president is personally saddened by the disaster and has directed that every available government resource should be deployed to assist victims.

He said the delegation was aware that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had conducted an on-the-spot assessment and was collaborating with the state government to ensure the necessary actions were taken.

“President Tinubu has activated every government agency to ensure that what needs to be done is done. This is also a call to our people to take this as a warning against future occurrences. Those living in those areas need to be properly educated.

“On that direction, President Tinubu has also asked the National Orientation Agency to immediately embark on a campaign around the community and other communities across the country to sensitise the people on the dangers of living in areas that are prone to such disaster,” Mr Idris said.

The minister said the government supported the state to ensure the needed reliefs were provided to the people.

Similarly, Mr Yilwatda extended the condolences of Mr Tinubu to the state governor, saying, “Nigerians stand by you; our hearts and prayers are with you at this difficult moment.

“We will review activities carried out so far and work with the refugees commission and see the kind of support we can give to displaced communities; we will see how we can support them, especially farmers whose farms have been washed away.

“We will try to restore the livelihoods of the people who have lost their means of livelihood; we will also look at details of areas of needs and go back to the president and see what further support can be provided.”

Responding, Mr Bago, represented by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, appreciated Mr Tinubu and the delegation, describing their visit as timely.

“About 151 dead bodies were recovered and buried, 3,018 people were displaced, 11 people were injured, and 503 households were affected and still counting.

“Two hundred and sixty-five houses were affected within Mokwa, three communities within the Mokwa Local Government were affected, two roads and three bridges were washed away.

“Hence the need for quick intervention to restore the livelihoods of the people. The rescue team include NEMA, SEMA, IOM, Red Cross, traditional leaders and Ja’matul Islamic.

“However, we cannot ascertain the exact cause of the flood, but we advise the people living at the river bank to take precautionary measures.

On May 28, 2025, flooding caused by heavy rainfall submerged the market town of Mokwa in Niger, causing severe damage.

(NAN)