The Republic of Turkiye has expressed condolences to Nigeria over the devastating floods that recently struck Mokwa in Niger State.
In a statement issued over the weekend by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkiye said it was deeply saddened by the tragedy.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and destruction caused by the devastating floods in the Mokwa region of Niger State, Nigeria,” the statement read.
“We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria.”
Similarly, former President Muhammadu Buhari mourned the deaths of over 100 persons in the flash floods that ravaged communities in Niger State. He also expressed sorrow over the death of 22 athletes, coaches, and officials from Kano State, who died in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
In a message to the bereaved families and the governments of Niger and Kano states on Sunday, Buhari said the tragic events, which occurred within days of each other, left him devastated.
“I am deeply pained by the loss of lives due to the floods in Niger State and the road accident in Kano State. The deaths are painful and devastating. Condolences to the families and friends of all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” he said.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, also offered condolences to the Kano State government and families of the victims of the auto crash. Akpabio, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the closing ceremony of the sports festival in Abeokuta on Friday, issued a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.
“It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the tragic death of over 20 members of the Kano State contingent that participated in the National Sports Festival in Ogun State,” Akpabio said.
“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Nigerian Senate and the entire National Assembly, I extend my deepest condolences to Your Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the government and people of Kano State.”
He described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and urged prioritisation of citizens’ safety, especially that of young people.
In Niger State, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, who represents Niger East Senatorial District, donated ₦50 million and several trucks of food supplies to flood victims in Mokwa. He also urged corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support ongoing relief efforts.
“In times of hardship, our shared humanity and unity are our greatest strengths,” Musa said.
“This tragic disaster has brought immense suffering – claiming lives, displacing families, and disrupting livelihoods across Mokwa and its surrounding communities.”
The senator praised the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, traditional institutions, emergency workers, and volunteers for their swift response and dedication to helping affected residents.
The Mokwa flood occurred on May 28, following hours of torrential rainfall. The disaster submerged homes, swept away vehicles, and damaged key infrastructure such as roads and bridges. The collapse of a nearby dam further worsened the situation.
In response, the Niger State Government called for support from governmental, corporate, and non-governmental organisations. A special bank account has been opened for donations, with a stern warning against diverting aid through personal accounts.
Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba issued the warning during a visit by a federal government delegation, which included Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatdo.
“While the state government is appealing for support, on no condition should such assistance be channelled through privately owned accounts,” Garba cautioned.
“As a state, we have opened a dedicated account for this disaster; every support should be channelled to it.”
Garba also commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its efforts in supporting the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) during the ongoing search and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Idris conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to support the state through the crisis.
He added that the federal government had activated flood mitigation strategies and directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify public sensitisation on the dangers of living in flood-prone areas as rainfall increases across the country.
Nzubechukwu Eze
