Greta Thunberg Deported From Israel Day After Gaza-Bound Ship Seized

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June 10, 2025

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has been deported from Israel, a day after the aid vessel she was aboard — headed toward Gaza in defiance of Israel’s maritime blockade — was intercepted by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the activist group behind the voyage, said the small yacht The Madleen was intercepted early Monday while carrying what it called a “symbolic” quantity of humanitarian aid, including baby formula and medicine, in an attempt to draw global attention to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Thunberg and 11 others were on board the vessel, which the FFC said was intercepted in international waters, about 185 km (115 miles) west of Gaza. According to the group, the yacht was surrounded by quadcopter drones, sprayed with a white irritant substance, and had its communications jammed before being boarded.

In a pre-recorded video released after the interception, Thunberg said:

“If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by Israeli occupational forces or forces that support Israel. I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible.”

On Tuesday morning, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that Thunberg had left Israel on a flight to Sweden via France, after agreeing to be deported. A photo shared by the ministry showed her sitting on a plane.

Other passengers aboard the Madleen included nationals from France, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Turkey. According to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, six French citizens were among the detainees. One agreed to leave voluntarily, but five refused to sign deportation orders and are now facing judicial proceedings in Israel.

The French nationals include MEP Rima Hassan and two journalists: Omar Faiad from Al Jazeera and Yanis Mhamdi from French investigative platform Blast. Reporters Without Borders confirmed both were documenting the voyage.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the mission as a “gimmick” and described the Madleen as a “selfie yacht.” It insisted that the Gaza blockade is legal under international law and said the intercepted aid would be delivered “through real humanitarian channels.”

“We continue to demand the immediate release of all volunteers and the return of the stolen aid,” the FFC said in a statement. “Their kidnapping is unlawful and a violation of international law.”

Video footage released by the FFC showed the activists seated with their hands raised as Israeli forces boarded. Israel, for its part, shared footage showing the detainees being handed food and water, insisting all were “safe and unharmed.”

The yacht set sail from Catania, Italy, on 1 June, with the FFC stating its mission was to deliver aid and bear witness to what it called Israel’s “illegal and genocidal blockade” of Gaza.

Israel, which has imposed a strict land, sea, and air blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized control of the territory in 2007, maintains that the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated that stance on Sunday, saying the naval blockade helps stop arms from reaching Hamas.

Israel fully halted aid and commercial deliveries to Gaza on 2 March, resuming its military campaign two weeks later after the collapse of a temporary ceasefire.

As legal proceedings unfold for some of the activists, the incident has once again stirred debate about Israel’s blockade, humanitarian access to Gaza, and the international response to ongoing hostilities in the region.

FG Probes Alleged Neglect Of Accident Victims At FMC Abuja

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Olaosun Rebecca

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June 10, 2025

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The federal government has launched a comprehensive investigation into a viral online video showing alleged neglect of accident victims at the Emergency Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja. The video captured hospital staff refusing to treat patients, citing a lack of medical supplies such as latex gloves, resuscitation equipment, and patient transfer equipment.

However, the government has disputed these claims, stating that initial findings confirm the hospital’s emergency department was adequately equipped with the supplies mentioned in the video.

In response to the public outcry, the hospital has begun engaging with the staff on duty and relevant stakeholders to establish the facts of the incident. The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Obadiah Gana, issued a statement on Sunday, noting that the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has ordered a thorough investigation, with findings to be shared publicly.

The statement read:

“We have been made aware of an online video that negatively depicts our hospital. In response, we have initiated a thorough investigation to uncover the facts surrounding this incident. Our preliminary findings indicate the following:

“The emergency department had an adequate supply of medical consumables, including latex gloves, contrary to the claims made in the video.

“Resuscitation equipment and medications were sufficient. There was no shortage of patient transfer equipment, including trolleys and wheelchairs.”

“The Hon. Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako has directed a full investigation of the incident which is ongoing. Findings of the investigation will be made available to the public.

“The management is committed to providing a full report of our investigation once it is completed. The Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, prides itself on its open-door policy. We have multiple patient feedback channels available, including several phone numbers displayed throughout the hospital, QR codes, and email contacts.

“In addition to running a medical indigent fund to assist underprivileged patients with hospital bills, we have successfully treated numerous unconscious patients and safely returned them to their relatives with the help of our social workers.

“Our facility is a hub for specialized procedures such as open-heart surgery, laser surgery, kidney transplants, spine surgery, and other high-end treatments that are not commonly available in most public hospitals.

“We apologize for any distress or discomfort caused and want to assure you that we take feedback seriously. We value the trust placed in us and are committed to providing quality care with empathy and compassion. We appreciate the feedback and will work towards improving the quality of our services.”

Afreximbank, BoI Sign $75m Funding Support For Local Healthcare Manufacturers

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Tosin Onisuuru

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June 10, 2025

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The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Bank of Industry (BoI) have formalized a $75 million financing agreement to bolster local manufacturers as part of Nigeria’s Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).

This initiative, driven by the federal government, seeks to significantly enhance domestic production of generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologics, and medical devices.

The agreement was signed during the commissioning of Afreximbank’s African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima last week. At the same event, Shettima, alongside Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah, launched the African Life Sciences Foundation (AfLSF) and its associated Endowment Fund.

This fund aims to foster research and development of drugs and interventions tailored to the needs of people of African descent.

Beyond the $75 million deal with BoI, Afreximbank also entered into a 100 million Euro trade finance facility agreement with the Development Bank of the Central African States (BDEAC).

Additionally, the bank made its inaugural venture capital investment in drug development and commercialization under the Afreximbank Group and signed a terms of agreement with King’s College London (KCL) to establish a Medical and Nursing School at the AMCE in Abuja.

Vice President Shettima commended the collaboration between AMCE and King’s College Hospital, London, emphasizing its role in building a foundation for African medical specialists.

“No medical intervention can endure unless we build the systems that sustain them. We have laid the foundation for African medical specialists who will no longer be exported but empowered,” he stated.

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, highlighted that the partnerships surrounding AMCE will enhance Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and curb the emigration of skilled medical professionals trained in Nigeria.

He noted that this will strengthen the economy and provide comprehensive medical care for patients.

Brian Deaver, CEO of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), affirmed that the facility will set a new benchmark for healthcare quality.

“We thank Afreximbank not only for financing this transformative project but for believing that Africa deserves not just good, but great healthcare,” he said.

The Niger State Government Donates ₦1bn To Support Mokwa

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Olaosun Rebecca

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June 10, 2025

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Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has pledged N1 billion to support victims of the recent flooding in Mokwa.

The announcement was made during his visit to the affected local government area on Monday, where he conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the damage caused by the flood.

Expressing sympathy for the residents, Bago emphasized the importance of avoiding waterways to prevent loss of life and property in future incidents.

He assured the community that all financial and material contributions from the Federal Government, generous individuals, government agencies, and donor organizations would be used appropriately.

“The Niger State government is donating N1bn to the victims of the flood disaster”.

“All the cash and material donated by the Federal Government, kind-spirited individuals, government agencies as well as donor agencies will be utilised for the purpose it was meant for,” he stated.

Bago commended those who have provided significant support to the flood victims and promised that the government would work to resettle those impacted, whether directly or indirectly.

He also urged Islamic teachers in the area to keep proper records of their pupils and to track any who go missing.

Lagos PDP Spokesman, Others Join APC

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Olaosun Rebecca

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June 10, 2025

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Hakeem Amode, the spokesperson for the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has officially left the party to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amode made the announcement alongside other PDP leaders during a press briefing held on Monday in Ikeja, Lagos.

He explained that their decision to defect was largely influenced by the leadership qualities of Abdul-Azeez Adediran, the PDP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Lagos, who had previously joined the APC.

“It is with great honour and a profound sense of responsibility that we stand before you today to announce a pivotal decision; one that marks a significant turning point not just for us as individuals, but for many committed political stakeholders who have journeyed with us over the years.

“Today, we have decided to collapse the entire PDP structure in Lagos State, from ward to the state level, to align with His Excellency Jandor to decamp en masse to the APC.

“The PDP, both at the national and state levels, has lost its way.

“The party has deviated from the founding ideals that once made it the largest and most respected political platform in Africa.

“Today, its future is riddled with tension and uncertainty.

“The PDP is in a coma and may not survive unless urgent measures are taken,” Amode stated.

He noted that their time in the PDP had been long and filled with both accomplishments and difficulties.

According to Amode, many of the defectors had served in various roles within the party, working hard to bring about change and serve the PDP to the best of their ability.

He added, “However, after thorough introspection and extensive consultation, we believe it is time to chart a new course.

“This decision has not been made lightly.

“It reflects our commitment to taking control of our political destinies in order to better serve our people and the loyal supporters who continue to stand by us.”

Amode criticized the current state of the PDP in Lagos, saying the party under Philip Aivoji’s leadership is fragmented and disorganized.

“Poor leadership and a lack of cohesion have cost us dearly.

“Today, we, alongside several former PDP candidates at various levels, national, local government executives, ward leaders, and key stakeholders across Lagos, formally resign from the PDP and align ourselves with the APC.

“We have submitted our letters of resignation to our respective ward chairmen, local government chairmen, and the state leadership of the PDP,” he stated.

He emphasized that the defection was not out of personal ambition but from a desire to contribute meaningfully to society.

“We are determined to work with our new partners in the APC to deliver the true dividends of democracy to every corner of our great state,” Amode added.

Safurat Abdulkareem, a former PDP deputy governorship candidate who ran twice, stated that the defectors are committed to joining the progressives in working towards a better Lagos.

In his remarks, Chief Ola Apena, a former Deputy Chairman of the state PDP, asserted that the party no longer holds significance in Lagos.

“The PDP is dead. There is no more PDP.

“The party is in complete limbo and we don’t know whether it will be up,” he said.

Representing PDP’s 2023 House of Assembly candidates, Ibrahim Balogun, who contested in Kosofe, expressed regret over his prolonged stay in the party.

“We will work for Tinubu in 2027. We are going en masse into the APC.

“Jandor is a visionary leader to follow because he is a man of the people,” Balogun said.

Jandor congratulated the defectors, celebrating the full integration of the PDP structure into the APC.

“We have successfully collapsed the entire structure of the PDP into the APC now.

“There is no point in belonging to a political party that has no determination and purpose of winning elections. The PDP is a social club, not interested in winning.

“Lagos State PDP leadership is ensuring that the party does not win and the party had been doing this for over two decades now, wasting people’s destiny.

“I congratulate these PDP leaders for joining me in the APC.

“The PDP is a sinking ship. In Nigeria of today, there is no other viable platform apart from the APC,” Adediran said.

Among the notable defectors were Prince Rufus Adeniyi, former Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West), and Mr. Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo), a former PDP candidate for the House of Representatives in Surulere Constituency I.

Other 2023 Lagos PDP House of Assembly candidates who left the party include Keshinro Abiodun (Epe 1), Akeem Jinadu (Eti-Osa 1), Ibrahim Balogun (Kosofe 2), Taofeek Obanikoro (Lagos Island 1), Tunde Pratt (Lagos Mainland 2), Saheed Aregbesola (Oshodi-Isolo 2), Sulaimon Thompson (Surulere 1), and Taofeek Kuye (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1).

Also among those who joined the APC were Adeyemi Kazeem, former PDP Chairman in Ojo Local Government and Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye, former media aide to the 2023 Lagos PDP governorship candidate.

Ojude Oba, Ofala, Durbar & Other Iconic Nigerian Festivals

By

Tosin Onisuuru

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June 10, 2025

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When you hear Nigerian festival, your mind probably jumps straight to Ojude Oba. And why not?

With its jaw-dropping outfits, graceful parades, and deep cultural roots in Ijebu-Ode, it’s one of Nigeria’s most iconic celebrations. But let’s be honest, Nigeria is way too culturally rich for just one festival to carry all the shine.

In fact, across the country, there are dozens of festivals that are just as vibrant, meaningful, and goosebump-inducing as Ojude Oba — yet most people don’t know they exist.

Whether you’re planning your next cultural trip, looking for new reasons to celebrate, or just trying to feel more connected to the soul of Nigeria, this list is your invitation.

Here are some amazing Nigerian festivals that deserve just as much spotlight each one offering a special experience you’ll want to witness at least once.

Ojude Oba — Where Royalty Meets Runway

Let’s start with the most famous. Ojude Oba, held annually in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, is not just a festival — it’s a fashion statement, a cultural reunion, and a royal celebration all rolled into one. Held two days after Eid-el-Kabir, the festival features different age-grade groups (called Regberegbe) showing off coordinated outfits in grand parades before the Awujale, the revered king of Ijebuland.

But beyond the style and glamour is a deeper theme: community pride, unity, and a celebration of the enduring bond between the people and their monarch.

Ofala Festival — When a King Steps Out

Moving eastward, the Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, is the kind of event that gives you goosebumps, especially during its most anticipated moment: the public appearance of the Obi of Onitsha.

After days in seclusion and spiritual reflection, the king steps out in dazzling traditional regalia to the thunder of cannon blasts and the rhythm of traditional drummers. That moment? Pure magic. The entire festival celebrates kingship, renewal, and Igbo heritage with a level of pageantry that’s truly unforgettable.

Durbar Festival — Royal Horses and Warrior Pride

If you ever find yourself in northern Nigeria during Eid-el-Fitr or Eid-el-Kabir, make your way to Kano, Zaria, or Katsina for the Durbar Festival — a display of regal horsemanship that could rival any royal parade in the world.

What makes it so unforgettable is the sight of hundreds of horsemen, dressed in richly embroidered robes, galloping in formation as they pay homage to the Emir. It’s intense, it’s colorful, and it’s a living piece of Hausa history brought to life with each hoofbeat.

Igue Festival — Blessings from the Benin Kingdom

Now let’s talk about royalty — Edo-style. The Igue Festival, held in Benin City every December, is about blessing the land, the people, and the kingdom at large.

At the heart of this festival is the Oba of Benin, who performs traditional rituals for protection and prosperity. There’s drumming, dancing, and a spiritual aura in the air that connects ancient Benin traditions with modern-day life. You walk away from Igue feeling like you’ve just touched something ancient and sacred.

Eyo Festival — Lagos, But Make It Mystical

Imagine Lagos Island taken over by hundreds of white-clad masqueraders, each wearing a wide-brimmed hat and holding a staff, moving in silent procession. That’s the Eyo Festival, a Yoruba masquerade celebration that’s unique to Lagos.

Though it’s not held annually — it often honors the death of a king or notable figure — when it happens, it completely transforms the city. And while tourists may mistake it for a carnival, Eyo is actually a deeply spiritual event rooted in honoring ancestors and cleansing the land. It’s solemn, mysterious, and deeply Lagos.

Argungu Fishing Festival — The Wildest Fishing Contest You’ll Ever See

If you’re looking for action, head to Kebbi State in March for the Argungu Fishing Festival. Picture this: thousands of men jumping into a river with giant fishing nets, racing to catch the biggest fish in under one hour. Yes, it’s as wild as it sounds.

But it’s not all about the fish. There are boat races, cultural performances, and traditional wrestling matches that showcase the strength and unity of the northern communities. Argungu is a celebration of river culture, bravery, and ancient fishing techniques passed down for generations.

From rivers to palaces, Lagos to Kogi to Anambra, Nigeria’s festivals are more than just parties they’re living traditions, each telling a story of identity, resilience, and celebration. While Ojude Oba might be the most Instagrammed, it’s far from the only cultural gem we have.

So next time you’re planning a holiday or just scrolling through your feed, remember: there’s always a festival happening somewhere in Nigeria and it might just change how you see this country.

SEC Issues Warning Against Investing In Punisher Coin

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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June 9, 2025

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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a warning to Nigerians against investing in Punisher Coin, also known as $PUN, a cryptocurrency deemed unauthorized and lacking regulatory approval. In a statement released on Sunday in Lagos, the SEC highlighted that the coin’s presale resembles a Ponzi scheme and its promoters are not registered to operate within Nigeria’s capital market.

The SEC stated, “Our attention has been drawn to online promotions of an unauthorised presale for a cryptocurrency called PUNISHER COIN, also known as $PUN. Of particular concern is an article by Daily Trust E-Paper titled: ‘Cryptos to Buy: Why Punisher Coin Could Join Avalanche and Chainlink.’”

The Commission clarified that neither Punisher Coin nor its promoters are registered or authorized to promote, launch, trade, or solicit investments from the Nigerian public. Initial investigations reveal that $PUN is a ‘meme coin,’ a type of digital asset typically lacking practical utility or a substantive project to support it.

Further findings confirm that $PUN, as a meme coin, generally lacks real-world value, purpose, or technical foundation. The value of such coins is often driven by hype, social media trends, or promotional efforts by their creators and community, making them susceptible to ‘pump and dump’ schemes. In these fraudulent tactics, promoters create false hype to drive buying pressure, then sell their holdings at the peak, causing the coin’s value to crash and leaving investors with significant losses.

The SEC emphasized that the value of such coins relies heavily on manipulation rather than substance, with price fluctuations fueled by excitement and misleading claims. The public is strongly cautioned against participating in the presale of Punisher Coin, as any investment is at the investor’s own risk.

The Commission advises investors to verify the legitimacy of any digital asset, its promoters, and platforms before investing. Verification can be conducted through the SEC’s official portal: https://home.sec.gov.ng/fintech-and-innovation-hub-finport/registered-fintech-operators/

Rwanda Pulls Out of Regional Bloc, Cites Violation of Protocols

By

Ohiomoje Margaret

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June 9, 2025

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Rwanda announced its withdrawal from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), citing repeated violations of its rights as a member and the regional bloc’s failure to adhere to its own foundational principles.

The country was supposed to assume the chairmanship role of the ECCAS, which rotates among its 11 members.

Rwanda said this move was intended to “impose DR Congo’s diktat,” suggesting that DR Congo, with backing from some member states, is manipulating ECCAS mechanisms for its own political agenda.

Rwanda said it had previously raised concerns with the African Union over what it describes as repeated violations of ECCAS protocols.

Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels in the east of the DR Congo. The group has made major advances at the beginning of the year, taking the key regional cities of Goma and Bukavu.

Explosions and Fire Erupt on Cargo Ship Off Kerala Coast, 40 Containers Lost at Sea

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Olaosun Rebecca

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June 9, 2025

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Multiple explosions and fires broke out aboard a Singapore-flagged cargo ship en route to Mumbai on Monday, forcing several crew members to leap into the Arabian Sea and causing 40 containers to fall overboard, officials confirmed.

The vessel, WAN HAI 503, encountered the emergency approximately 144 kilometers (90 miles) off the coast of Kerala, according to Shekhar Kuriakose, Secretary of the state’s Disaster Management Authority.

“Preliminary reports indicate that there were 22 crew members on board. Eighteen of them jumped into the sea and are currently aboard rescue boats. Efforts are ongoing to bring them to safety,” Kuriakose said, noting that while the situation remains critical, the ship is not currently sinking.

Dramatic images and footage released by the Indian Coast Guard on X (formerly Twitter) showed dense black smoke billowing from the ship, with several containers visibly damaged and scattered near the source of the blaze.

“The vessel is currently on fire and adrift,” stated a public relations officer from the Ministry of Defence on X.

Authorities have yet to disclose the type of cargo the ship was carrying or the cause of the explosions.

This incident comes just weeks after another container vessel sank off the coast of Kerala, spilling around 100 containers into the Arabian Sea. However, the Directorate General of Shipping reported on Friday that no oil pollution was detected in that earlier event.

Mokwa Floods Ravage Niger State – Death Toll Nears 250, Thousands Displaced

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Tosin Onisuuru

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June 9, 2025

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The catastrophic floods that struck Mokwa, Niger State, on May 29, 2025, have claimed at least 230 lives, with over 500 people still missing, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA). Described as the worst flooding in the region in 60 years, the disaster has displaced over 3,000 residents, destroyed over 260 homes, and washed away critical infrastructure, including the Mokwa Bridge, a vital link between Nigeria’s north and southwest.

Triggered by intense pre-dawn rainfall, the floods overwhelmed Mokwa’s inadequate drainage systems, flattening neighborhoods like Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa.

NSEMA reports 121 injured and heightened risks of disease outbreaks due to unrecovered bodies swept into the Niger River. Local resident Adamu Yusuf recounted , “I watched helplessly as water washed away my family,” losing his wife and newborn.

Recent updates highlight dire conditions in relief camps, with displaced residents decrying insufficient aid, including a lack of clean water, toilets, and adequate food beyond bread and soft drinks.

One resident, who lost 14 family members, lamented, “I have no one now.”

The Niger State governor has initiated demolitions in flood-prone areas to improve drainage systems. The Federal Government, attributing the disaster to climate change and unregulated construction, has faced criticism for inadequate preparedness despite NiMet’s flood warnings. Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Mokwa to console victims, and an NGO is collating data for better relief distribution.

Reports confirm that Niger State is burying 153 victims, with two more bodies recently recovered, raising concerns about disease outbreaks.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ahmad Suleiman, confirmed over 200 corpses recovered, emphasizing the scale of the tragedy.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered urgent repairs to the Mokwa Bridge to restore connectivity, with the Federal Ministry of Works tasked to act swiftly.

Experts note that climate change, poor drainage, and a blocked tributary of the River Dingi exacerbated the flooding, despite no water release from Kainji or Jebba dams.

Relief efforts continue, with Senator Sani Musa donating ₦50 million and food supplies, and UNICEF providing healthcare support, particularly for pregnant women. However, locals like Jibril Muregi, Mokwa’s local government chairman, stress that long-overdue flood-control infrastructure is critical to prevent future disasters.

As Mokwa grapples with loss and trauma, the nation watches a community in mourning, urging swift action to rebuild and protect against Nigeria’s worsening climate-driven floods.