Grief Over Celebration: Governor Bago Cancels Sallah Festivities in Honour of Mokwa Flood Victims

In a solemn and empathetic gesture that underscores the gravity of the tragedy that has recently struck parts of Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has officially canceled all Sallah celebrations across the state. This decision comes in the wake of the devastating floods that ravaged the Mokwa Local Government Area, leaving behind a trail of destruction, death, and despair. The Governor’s announcement has sent ripples through the state, evoking mixed reactions of sorrow, support, and reflection as residents brace for a subdued Eid marked by mourning rather than merriment.

The Mokwa floods, which occurred after days of relentless rainfall, have inflicted severe damage on the community, submerging homes, destroying farmlands, and claiming multiple lives. While the exact number of casualties is still being confirmed by emergency officials, early reports suggest a tragic loss of both human and material resources. Entire households have been displaced, families have been torn apart, and livelihoods have been washed away, prompting a humanitarian response and urgent calls for aid.

Governor Bago, visibly shaken and deeply moved by the scale of the catastrophe, addressed the people of Niger State in a live broadcast on Tuesday evening. His voice heavy with emotion, he declared that this year’s Eid-el-Kabir activities—traditionally characterized by public prayers, cultural displays, communal feasts, and political engagements—would be suspended indefinitely. He urged citizens to observe the holiday in solemn reflection, prayer, and solidarity with the victims of Mokwa. The Governor emphasized that the state must stand united in grief and compassion, choosing empathy over festivity at a time when many are suffering profound losses.

The decision, though unprecedented in recent history, has been largely welcomed by leaders and community members who see it as a necessary act of sensitivity and respect. Many believe it sends a powerful message about the government’s priorities—placing human lives and dignity above ceremonial rituals. Religious leaders across the state have thrown their support behind the Governor’s move, urging the faithful to dedicate their prayers to those affected and to give generously to support flood victims instead of spending lavishly on celebrations.

For the families in Mokwa, the Governor’s decision is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a validation of their pain and a recognition of their loss. In interviews conducted with several residents of the affected communities, many expressed appreciation for the government’s stance. One local leader, Mallam Salihu Danjuma, described the cancellation of festivities as “a moral compass that points to our shared humanity.” He added that while Eid is a time of joy, “it is also a time for compassion, and what better way to express that than to stand still and remember those who can no longer celebrate with us.”

The scene in Mokwa is heartbreaking. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins. Rescue operations are ongoing, with local volunteers, state emergency services, and humanitarian organizations working around the clock to reach those still stranded. Makeshift camps have been set up to shelter the displaced, but resources remain stretched thin. Access to clean water, food, and medical care is becoming increasingly urgent, and fears of disease outbreaks loom as sanitation deteriorates. Amid the chaos, the spirit of community endures—neighbours share what little they have, and volunteers continue to risk their safety to bring relief to others.

Governor Bago has also ordered the immediate deployment of state relief materials to the affected areas and has directed the Ministry of Works to assess infrastructure damages and commence repairs as soon as possible. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has intensified its operations, coordinating with federal authorities and non-governmental organizations to mobilize more support. Additionally, a task force has been set up to monitor flood-prone areas across the state in a bid to prevent further disasters.

This disaster comes at a time when many parts of Nigeria are grappling with the growing consequences of climate change. Increased rainfall, unregulated urban planning, and poor drainage systems have combined to make floods a recurring nightmare, especially in states like Niger that lie along major rivers. Environmental experts have long warned of the dangers, calling for sustainable flood management strategies and better land use policies. The Mokwa tragedy may serve as a painful reminder of the need for urgent action in this regard.

As the Muslim faithful prepare for Eid in a more muted atmosphere, the mood across Niger State is one of introspection. Markets, usually bustling with last-minute shoppers, are noticeably quieter. Traditional drumming and dancing, a staple of Sallah celebration in many communities, are absent. Instead, community leaders are organizing prayer sessions for the flood victims and food drives for those who have lost everything. The usual political rallies and festive parades have been replaced with calls for donations, appeals for rescue support, and moments of silence.

While the absence of Sallah celebrations may bring disappointment to many, especially children and the elderly who look forward to the occasion all year round, there is a growing sense that this year’s sacrifice is a meaningful one. The Eid-el-Kabir story itself, rooted in faith, sacrifice, and obedience, resonates powerfully with the current reality in Niger State. By foregoing festivity to honor the dead and support the living, residents are, in a sense, embodying the very spirit of the holiday.

In the days ahead, Governor Bago is expected to visit Mokwa and other affected communities, accompanied by relief officials and members of the state executive council. Plans are also underway to establish a long-term resettlement program for displaced families and to conduct a comprehensive environmental risk assessment of flood-prone areas. The state government has called on the federal government and international partners to provide additional support as it grapples with the aftermath of the disaster.

Governor Bago’s bold and compassionate leadership during this crisis has drawn attention across Nigeria. His decision to cancel Sallah festivities—a move that no doubt comes with political and social costs—has been hailed as an example of empathetic governance. It reflects a growing recognition that leadership is not only about celebration and power, but also about responsibility, sacrifice, and standing with the people in their darkest hour.

As Niger State mourns its dead and cares for its wounded, the Sallah of 2025 will be remembered not for its absence of festivity, but for its abundance of humanity. It will be remembered as the Eid where a state paused to grieve, to help, and to heal.