Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate from the 2023 elections, visited Niger State to offer condolences and support following the catastrophic flooding that devastated the Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA). The tragic flood has claimed at least 153 lives and left more than 3,000 individuals displaced.
Solidarity in the Wake of Tragedy
On June 2, 2025, Peter Obi, accompanied by former minister Nenadi Usman and spokesperson Yunusa Tanko, arrived in Niger State to express solidarity with both the flood victims and the state government. The Labour Party leader took to social media to share his visit, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Today, along with @SenNenadiUsman and Dr @YunusaTanko, I travelled to Niger State to condole and show solidarity with the Governor and the good people of the state over the devastating floods in the Mokwa area.”
The politician had previously reached out to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State from the United Kingdom to extend his condolences before making the trip in person. He was warmly received by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba upon his arrival. Obi addressed the overwhelming impact of the floods on the region, stating, “We had a discussion about the urgent needs of the affected communities, where over 200 lives have been lost, about 1,000 persons are still missing, more than 3,000 people have been displaced from their homes, and several homes destroyed.”
A ₦20 Million Commitment to Recovery
Peter Obi announced a ₦20 million donation to kickstart recovery efforts in the flood-stricken areas. “As part of my commitment to stand with the people of Niger State during this difficult time, I made an initial donation of ₦20 million to support the effort of the government, and I will continue to support their efforts,” Obi pledged. His call for unity resonated as he urged the Federal Government, emergency agencies, and Nigerians at large to rally together in supporting the flood victims.
“May Niger State find peace and restoration. I pray that God comforts the families of those who have lost their loved ones, protects those still missing, and grants healing and strength to everyone affected by this disaster,” Obi remarked in his address.
A Growing Crisis: Death Toll and Displacement
The deadly flooding in Mokwa, which began on the night of Wednesday, May 28, and continued into the early hours of Thursday, May 29, has devastated the region. According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the disaster has claimed at least 153 lives, with more than 3,000 people displaced. The agency’s acting director general, Ibrahim Hussaini, confirmed the increase in fatalities following the recovery of additional bodies from under a collapsed bridge.
The floods were triggered by torrential rainfall, which also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including the destruction of three bridges. “The challenges of access are slowing down emergency responses,” Hussaini explained, noting that submerged roads and debris are hindering search and rescue operations. The relentless rain and resulting floods have also left 11 people injured.
Other affected communities, such as Ndayako and Raba, did not report fatalities but suffered significant damage to homes and an additional bridge. Families in Mokwa, one of the hardest-hit areas, are grappling with devastating losses, with some households reporting the loss of as many as 15 family members in the disaster.
A Nation’s Call for Collective Action
The flooding in Niger State is part of a wider pattern of severe weather events in Nigeria, with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) having warned of flash floods in 15 states. In 2024 alone, flooding claimed the lives of 321 individuals across 34 states. The country is now at a critical juncture, as rescue operations continue and the rebuilding process begins. The call for national unity in responding to such crises has never been more urgent.
As the floods continue to ravage communities, Peter Obi’s visit to Niger State serves as a reminder of the importance of both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts in the face of natural disasters.