Vice President Kashim Shettima paid a sympathy visit to Mokwa on Tuesday, surveying the devastation left in the wake of the catastrophic flood that ravaged the area on May 29, 2025. The disaster, described as one of the worst natural calamities in Niger State’s history, claimed over 200 lives, displaced more than 3,000 residents, and left a trail of destruction in its wake.
As Shettima toured the most affected zones, he was met with scenes of utter devastation. Hundreds of homes had been destroyed, farmlands submerged, and transportation links crippled. At least three major bridges were swept away by the surging waters, cutting off access to critical areas and hampering early rescue and relief efforts. According to local authorities, 503 households were affected, leaving families without shelter, food, or access to clean water.
Many survivors had taken refuge in makeshift camps, relying on aid from the government and humanitarian agencies. Shettima’s visit brought some solace to the displaced persons, who expressed their gratitude for the vice president’s presence. Shettima, visibly moved by the scale of destruction, assured residents of the federal government’s commitment to providing urgent humanitarian support and rebuilding critical infrastructure.
“This tragedy is a national concern,” Shettima said, his words offering a glimmer of hope to the affected communities. “The Federal Government will work with Niger State to ensure that relief reaches every affected family and that we rebuild stronger and safer.” His assurance was music to the ears of the survivors, who have been struggling to come to terms with the disaster.
Emergency agencies are currently on the ground, distributing food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter materials to those in need. Engineers are also assessing the structural damage to roads and bridges, working to restore access to critical areas. As the community begins the long road to recovery, there is a growing call for better flood management systems, early warning mechanisms, and climate-resilient infrastructure. The Mokwa disaster has highlighted the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and ensure that communities are better equipped to cope with such tragedies.
