Niger State Govt Suspends Public Sallah Festivities To Honour Flood Victims
The Niger State government has banned all public Eid-el-Kabir celebrations across the state to mourn more than 200 people killed by recent floods in Mokwa Local Government Area.
The floods also left over 500 people missing, destroyed more than 3,000 homes, submerged farmlands, and displaced thousands of residents.
Governor Umaru Bago issued the directive following the widespread devastation caused by the flood.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, announced the decision on June 4, 2025, explaining that the ban was a mark of respect for the victims and to allow time for mourning, prayer, and reflection.
“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 Governor urged citizens to use the occasion to pray for the departed souls and engage in acts of charity for the affected communities.”
The flood in Mokwa has been described as one of the worst in decades, leaving families bereaved and destroying homes and livelihoods.
Governor Bago urged citizens to use the occasion to pray for the departed and to perform acts of charity for those affected.
Earlier reports indicated that rescue efforts were dwindling amid fears that no survivors remained.
The flooding, worsened by the release of excess water from the Kainji Dam on the Niger River, hit Mokwa and neighbouring communities hard, following heavy rainfall.
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