Governor Muhammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has pledged ₦1 billion in additional state funding for victims of the devastating Mokwa flood, following a personal visit to the disaster zone upon his return from pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The flood, which wreaked havoc on lives and infrastructure, has drawn national attention, particularly for the loss of children in four Islamic schools.
During his visit, Governor Bago conducted an on-the-spot inspection alongside traditional leaders and local officials, where he promised transparency in the distribution of federal and private donations already made. He assured victims that relief materials and funds would be equitably shared and promptly delivered.
The governor further announced plans for a permanent drainage system in Mokwa town and the construction of concrete bridges to prevent future disasters. He emphasized the importance of avoiding construction on waterways and cautioned local communities against neglecting such safety protocols.
In a poignant moment, Bago addressed the situation in Aungwa Hausa, where over 40 children from Islamic schools were swept away by the flood. He advised Islamic teachers to properly register pupils to enable easier tracking during emergencies.
The governor concluded with a commitment to relocate affected families and rebuild lost homes, saying that the incident must be a turning point for better disaster management in the state.