Eid Turns Sorrowful As IBB Mourns Victims Of Deadly Niger FloodFormer Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has described the devastating flood in Mokwa as a heartbreaking event, while emphasizing that the disaster was divinely ordained.
General Babangida shared his thoughts on the incident on Friday at his Minna residence, during a Sallah homage visit by a delegation from the Niger State Government led by Deputy Governor Comrade Yakubu Garba.
Extending his condolences to the people and government of Niger State, the elder statesman lamented the loss of lives and destruction caused by the flood, which reportedly claimed around 200 lives and destroyed numerous properties. He called on citizens to use the Eid-El-Kabir season as a time for prayers—for the peaceful repose of the victims’ souls and for the protection of all those affected by the tragedy.
“The Mokwa incident is deeply unfortunate, but we must accept it as the will of Allah. It’s beyond human control, which is why continuous prayers for the victims are so important,” Babangida stated.
During the visit, Deputy Governor Garba said the purpose of the delegation’s visit was to seek IBB’s fatherly counsel and blessings. He acknowledged that the retired general was clearly troubled by the disaster, but assured him that Governor Umar Bago’s administration was taking active steps to support the affected communities and bring them relief.
“We know how deeply the General feels about the recent events in Mokwa. What we need now are collective prayers and your continued guidance. Your role as a father figure in the state remains vital, especially in times like these,” Garba said.
He concluded by assuring Babangida that the people of Niger State and Nigeria at large are grateful for his unwavering service to the nation, adding that the state government remains committed to honoring his legacy and upholding his vision of hope for the nation.
