***Warns Against Another Mokwa Tragedy
In response to fresh warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Niger State Government has called on communities living along riverbanks to immediately relocate to higher ground as part of urgent flood-prevention measures.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media, and Strategy, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, issued the advisory in Minna on Thursday, stressing that the government “cannot afford another Mokwa experience,” referring to the devastating flood in Mokwa that claimed over 200 lives and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
Vatsa emphasized that despite repeated warnings by NiMet, Niger State remains highly flood-prone, with over 2,000 communities across 15 local government areas situated along riversides.
“We must act proactively to avoid disaster,” Vatsa said. “We are urging people living along riverbanks to begin relocating immediately to safer ground. The NiMet warning must not be taken for granted.”
He disclosed that the state government would soon begin a wide-reaching sensitization campaign to urge residents—many of whom are attached to ancestral homes—to temporarily vacate flood-prone areas during the rainy season. “They can return after the rains,” he noted.
The statement also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious heads to support the awareness drive and encourage their people to heed government directives for their own safety.
According to NiMet’s three-day weather outlook, early morning thunderstorms are expected in northern states such as Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba.
Heavier rainfall and storms may affect other states including Borno, Zamfara, Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
“The Mokwa disaster must serve as a wake-up call. This is not just about relocation; it is about saving lives,” Vatsa concluded.