Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago said he does not know where the floodwaters that devastated Mokwa Local Government Area came from.
Speaking on Tuesday during a condolence visit by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who came to offer sympathy following the loss of nearly 200 lives in the flood, Bago mentioned that the waters might have originated from outside Nigeria, possibly from neighboring Niger Republic or other African regions.
“Your Excellency, Niger State has vast land even bigger than Borno State; the difference is that Borno has more desert, and we have more water. We house four hydropower dams, which include Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro and Zungeru,” the governor said. He added that unlike previous years, the dams filled up quickly after the first rains, making it unclear whether the water came from local rainfall or overflow from other countries.
Bago explained that the initial floodwaters have caused significant damage this year, unlike before. He also noted ongoing efforts to move people away from vulnerable riverbanks to reduce future risks.
Governor Zulum donated 300 million naira to support the flood victims and said the funds were intended to help complement Niger State’s efforts in managing the disaster. He also called on the Federal Government to develop stronger policies to address climate change, which he said is contributing to extreme weather events like this flood.
Bago expressed appreciation for the visit and support from his counterpart, saying the gesture showed kindness and solidarity during a difficult time. He pointed out several shared qualities between the two states’ leaders, including their commitment and resilience in the face of challenges.
The Niger State governor once again urged the Federal Government to collaborate closely with states to tackle climate change and its impact on flooding and other natural disasters. “Climate change is a reality, and there is a need for our people to understand that,” he stated.
