After the tragic flooding that killed about 200 people in Mokwa, Niger State Governor Umar Bago has announced the suspension of all traditional Sallah celebrations across the state.
The decision affects notable cultural events such as the Hawan Bariki, Durbar, and other public festivities traditionally held during the Eid season.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman.
The suspension of traditional Sallah celebrations serves both as a mark of respect for the victims of the recent flood disaster and as a time for collective mourning and reflection across the state.
“This decision was taken as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic flood in Mokwa,” the statement read. “It is also intended to allow a period of mourning, prayer, and sober reflection across the state.”
Floodwaters recently swept through parts of Mokwa Local Government Area, displacing numerous families, destroying homes, and claiming lives.
Emergency response efforts have been underway, but the scale of destruction has left many in dire need of shelter, food, and medical assistance.
In light of the devastation, Governor Bago extended his condolences to the bereaved families and those displaced by the flood.
He called on citizens of the state to dedicate this year’s Eid to prayers for the departed, acts of charity, and solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.
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“The Eid period should be used not only for spiritual fulfillment but also to stand together in empathy and resilience,” Bago stated.
The cancellation of the Durbar, a traditional Sallah highlight that features elaborate horseback processions and cultural displays, underscores the administration’s prioritization of humanitarian needs over ceremonial grandeur.
The move, while emotionally significant for many, reflects the governor’s effort to maintain focus on the current emergency.
Governor Bago also used the opportunity to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to disaster recovery and flood mitigation.
He assured the public that both short-term relief measures and long-term infrastructure strategies are being implemented to protect vulnerable communities from future occurrences.
“We are working diligently to provide relief and rebuild what has been lost. But more importantly, we are developing strategies to prevent this kind of disaster from recurring,” he noted.
Community leaders and religious scholars across Niger State have largely backed the governor’s decision, calling it a necessary step in a time of collective grief.
Islamic clerics have encouraged the faithful to observe the Eid with humility, offering prayers and assistance to those who are suffering.
As Nigeria prepares for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations nationwide, Niger State’s decision serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of natural disasters and the need for compassion in governance.
PunchNewspaper
