The 2023 presidential candidate under the Labour Party, Peter Obi on Monday, paid a visit to Niger state to sympathize with victims of the Mokwa Flood.
The former Anambra Governor was accompanied by the acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Dr. Nenadi Usman, and National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Dr.. Yunusa Tanko. Peter Obi also donated the sum of 20 Million naira to the victims to enable them get back to their feet as the disaster destroyed over 500 houses and displaced not less than 1,000 people, according to Obi’s report.
Sharing on his X page after the visit, Obi said;
“Today, along with Senator Usman and Dr. Tanko, 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 of Niger State.
“While in the UK yesterday, I had earlier called Governor Mohammed Bago, to express my heartfelt condolences.
“While in Niger State, I was warmly received by the Deputy Governor, Garba, and 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.
“As I mentioned during the visit, this incident and others happening all over Nigeria affect us all, and as a family, we must come together to care, comfort and stand together, especially in times of grief and difficulty.”
Obi also called on the Federal Government, Nigerians and other support agencies to support the people of Niger state however they can so that they can stand on their feet again.
“I hereby urge and appeal to the Federal Government, all support agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to assist the good people of Niger State in ameliorating their suffering.
“I also wish to commend the efforts of the Governor and the local response teams for their courage and resilience in the face of this overwhelming challenge,” he said.
While he donated N20 million, Obi also promised to do more to support them as he prayed for God’s comfort on the victims.
“As part of my commitment to stand with the people of Niger State during this difficult time, I made an initial donation of N20 million to support the effort of the government and I will continue to support their effort.
“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. May Niger State find peace and restoration,” he added.
The death toll in Mokwa LGA of Niger state has risen to not less than 200 as search for missing individuals continue. Many Government officials and support agencies have sent their support to the victims to condole with them. The spokesperson to Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEM, Ibrahim Hussaini who spoke to newsmen on Sunday disclosed that two more bodies were discovered under the bridge raising the death toll. He reported that the total number of victims was around 3,018 at the time of his report as the operatives were still searching.
The disaster which suddenly happened following a heavy downpour in the area had caught residents unaware, in their sleep.
A victim identified as Adamu Yusuf who recounted how they whole thing happened to he and his family said;
“My wife was the one that woke me up when the flood hit, and I quickly gathered the family and told everyone to hold one another. As we stepped outside, we saw water everywhere in our living room and the compound. They panicked and we got disconnected.
“I watched helplessly as water washed away my family. I survived because I could swim. It was God that saved me,” he said.
NEMA said it had started giving relief materials to the victims as Peter Obi and other politicians supported as well. Earlier, Buhari and the APC sent their prayers to the victims.
“May the injured recover soon…” Buhari said.
Read Also: May the Injured Recover Soon – Buhari Sends Prayers to Victims of Kano, Niger Disaster
