MINNA, Nigeria — Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has expressed uncertainty over the source of the devastating flood that claimed nearly 200 lives in Mokwa Local Government Area, suggesting that the water may have originated from neighbouring Niger Republic or other parts of Africa.
Governor Bago made the remark on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, while receiving his Borno State counterpart, Professor Babagana Zulum, who visited Niger State on a condolence mission and announced a ₦300 million donation to support victims of the disaster.
“Unlike other years, after the first rain, all our dams are so full we don’t even know where the waters are coming from, whether there is an overflow from Niger Republic or other parts of Africa,” Bago said during the meeting in Minna.
“So, this first set of water we have received is hitting us badly.”
Niger State is home to four major hydropower dams—Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro, and Zungeru—and Governor Bago highlighted the unusual rapid accumulation of water in the facilities.
“We house four hydropower dams… this year, unlike other years, they are already full,” he stated.
He said the state government had commenced advocacy efforts to relocate communities along riverbanks and flood-prone areas in anticipation of further rainfall.
Governor Zulum, while presenting the donation, emphasised the need for stronger national response mechanisms to address the growing threat of climate-induced disasters.
“The Federal Government should establish a robust mechanism that would check and address the issue of climate change,” he said.
The Borno governor’s support comes as Niger State grapples with the aftermath of one of its deadliest flooding incidents in recent years.
Local officials confirmed that the Mokwa disaster caused widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and farmlands.
Governor Bago welcomed the donation and praised Zulum’s proactive leadership.
“This visit and support are timely and a great show of love,” he said, commending the Borno governor’s perseverance and effectiveness.
He reiterated his call for federal collaboration to address climate change, urging both national and subnational governments to act swiftly.
“We want to call in the Federal Government to continue to work with the subnational, especially at this time of serious rainfall and climate change,” Bago said.
“As you rightly enumerated, climate change is a reality, and there is a need for our people to understand that.”
