President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Federal Ministry of Works to immediately repair the bridge in Mokwa, Niger State, which a recent flood washed away, cutting off a vital link between northern and southern Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Works, Malam Bello Goronyo, announced the directive on Tuesday during a condolence visit to Mokwa, where he led a delegation from the ministry to sympathize with victims of the flood disaster.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the flood, which struck on May 29, claimed 158 lives.
During the visit, Goronyo informed the village head of Mokwa that the President had instructed the ministry to restore access for vehicular movement and rebuild the damaged bridge as a matter of urgency.
“The President specifically instructed me to come here and express his condolences to the government and people of Niger State,” Goronyo said. “He also ordered us to restore the access road and rebuild the bridge washed away by the flood. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the movement of articulated vehicles carrying goods from the North to the South.”
Goronyo added that the ministry would intensify efforts to improve infrastructure nationwide, especially in Niger State, which hosts a significant portion of federal roads due to its strategic location.
In response, the village head of Mokwa, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu (the Ndalila of Mokwa), revealed that the flood destroyed over 200 houses and collapsed four bridges, including a rail bridge and the major bridge linking northern and southern Nigeria. He also noted that many residents remain missing and urged the government to resettle those affected.
Also speaking, Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba thanked President Tinubu for the condolence visit and commended the Federal Government for its concern and prompt response to the disaster.
