In the wake of a devastating flood that struck Mokwa and nearby communities in Niger State on May 28, 2025, residents have been plunged into grief and hardship.
The disaster occurred just as Nigerians prepared to mark the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The flood, which swept through the agrarian region near the River Niger, destroyed roads, bridges, and homes, displacing more than 5,000 people.
Official figures put the death toll between 150 and 200, while over 500 residents remain missing.
Emergency responders continue to recover bodies daily amid worsening sanitary conditions and the stench of decay.
Reports indicate that 265 homes were completely destroyed, with another 3,000 severely damaged.
With no dedicated disaster shelters available, the displaced were forced into schools lacking basic facilities such as clean water and toilets—highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing challenges with urban planning and emergency preparedness.
The Federal Government’s response to the tragedy has drawn mixed reactions from the public.
President Tinubu initially addressed the crisis through a condolence message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, and mobilized federal emergency services led by the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar.
However, the administration faced criticism when two key federal ministers—Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation) and Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation)—opted to visit the Niger State Government House rather than the affected communities.
Amid growing backlash, Vice President Kashim Shettima was eventually dispatched to Mokwa. During his visit, he announced a N2 billion reconstruction package for the flood-ravaged community, along with a commitment to restore electricity through the Rural Electrification Agency.
He also pledged immediate action to rebuild the critical bridge linking northern and southern Nigeria, which was washed away in the flood.
While many applauded the government’s eventual response, others noted the delayed show of leadership on the ground.
Comparisons were drawn to the administration’s quicker reaction to the Alau Dam burst in Maiduguri in 2024.
On that occasion, Vice President Shettima—an indigene of the region—was seen wading through floodwaters, and President Tinubu visited displaced persons in person shortly after.
Critics argue that leadership must be visible during times of crisis.
Visiting disaster zones is not merely symbolic—it represents empathy, accountability, and the willingness to lead from the front.
Delegating the difficult parts of governance while taking credit for the successes, they say, is not leadership.
In the words of one commentator:
“Leadership is not a buffet. You don’t get to pick only the sweet and send others to handle the bitter.”