By Adenike Lawal
In the wake of a deadly flood that ravaged Mokwa and surrounding communities, claiming over 200 lives and leaving more than 500 missing, the Niger State Government has announced that this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations will be marked quietly across the state.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has ordered the suspension of major Sallah activities, including the traditional Hawan Bariki, Durbar processions, and all public festivities typically associated with the holiday.
The move, the government said, is a mark of respect for the victims and a gesture of solidarity with grieving families.
The directive was contained in a statement issued Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, who emphasized that the subdued celebration reflects the state’s collective mourning.
“This is a time for solemn reflection and prayer, not public celebration,” the statement read. “We encourage all citizens to honour the memory of the departed, offer prayers for the missing, and support those displaced by this tragedy.”
Governor Bago further urged residents to embrace the spirit of Eid through acts of charity, compassion, and unity, underscoring the importance of communal healing in difficult times.
The flood disaster, one of the worst in Niger State’s history, has triggered a wide-scale humanitarian response and drawn national sympathy.
Emergency services and relief agencies continue to work round the clock in affected areas.
As Muslims across the state prepare for Eid, many will gather not in celebration, but in remembrance, joining hands in prayer and reaffirming their resilience in the face of profound loss.
