Niger Flood disaster: Gov Bago cancels Eid El Kabir celebration in 8 Emirates

By Daniel Ebi, Minna 

As search  and recovery of more victims by relevant Agencies continues amidst a mounting  number of casualties recorded in the Mokwa flood disaster, Niger State Government has ordered  the suspension of the traditional horse riding durbar to mark the Eid-el-kabir across the eight Emirates in the State.

The Secretary to the Government of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Usman in a statement he signed personally on Wednesday morning said the gesture is a mark of respect to mourn the devastating Mokwa flood disaster victims. 

According to him, the gesture followed  the devastating flood disaster that ravaged Mokwa and surrounding communities, claiming lives, displacing thousands and causing extensive destruction to houses, farmlands and infrastructures

“Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has directed a low key Eid-el Kabir sallah celebration,  suspension of Hawan Bariki, Durbar and other elaborate Sallah activities across all Emirates in the State”.  

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 Alhaji Abubakar Usman emphasized that this decision was taken as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic incident and to allow for a period of mourning, prayer and reflection.

The Mokwa flood, described as one of the worst in decades, has left families bereaved, houses and livelihoods destroyed, the statement added.

The Governor urged citizens to use the occasion to pray for the departed souls and engage in acts of charity for the affected communities.

Search and rescue operations are still ongoing within Mokwa and environs for the recovery of more bodies almost a week after the disaster that has claimed about 200 lives according to the State Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs and disaster, Akhaji Ahmad Suleiman.