The catastrophic flood that claimed 158 lives and destroyed critical infrastructure in Mokwa, Niger State, has severed a vital transportation link between northern and southern Nigeria, prompting immediate federal intervention to restore the damaged bridge and alternative access routes.
The May 29 disaster left over 200 houses collapsed and destroyed four bridges, including the strategic rail bridge and main vehicular bridge that serves as a crucial corridor for goods transportation between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.
Village head of Mokwa, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu (Ndalila of Mokwa), revealed the extensive damage during a condolence visit by federal officials on Tuesday, noting that many people remain missing following the flood disaster.
“The affected bridges included the rail bridge and the main bridge connecting the North and South,” Aliyu explained, while appealing to the government for resettlement assistance for displaced residents.
In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise repairs and establish temporary access routes to maintain the flow of commercial traffic along this critical national corridor.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, who led a federal delegation to Mokwa on Tuesday, conveyed the president’s directives during the condolence visit.
“The president gave a clear directive for me to come and commiserate with the government and people of Niger State over the ugly incident,” Goronyo stated. “In his directives, he said we should do everything possible to restore the access road for vehicular movement on the damaged bridge washed away by the flood.”
The minister noted the strategic importance of the location, noting the “high volume of articulated vehicles carrying goods from the north to the south” that regularly use the route.
Goronyo assured that the ministry would expand infrastructure development in Niger State, recognising its critical role as a hub for federal road networks connecting Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.
Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba expressed gratitude for the federal government’s response, thanking President Tinubu for the condolence visit and the immediate attention to infrastructure restoration.
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has ordered subdued Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and suspended traditional festivities, including Hawan Bariki and Durbar ceremonies across all Emirates in the state.
Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, announced the decision as a mark of respect to allow time for mourning, prayer, and reflection.
According to Usman, the Mokwa flood represents one of the worst natural disasters to hit the state in decades, leaving families grieving and destroying homes and livelihoods throughout the affected areas.
The governor’s order affects all emirates statewide, scaling back what would typically be elaborate Sallah festivities during the important Islamic holiday period.
Featured image: Broadscope Network
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