Umar Bago, governor of Niger, has cancelled all Eid-el-Kabir activities in the state to honour victims of the recent flood in Mokwa LGA.
The flood, which occurred on the night of May 29, has killed over 200 people, affected 503 households and displaced 3,018 residents.
Three bridges in the area were submerged and destroyed, posing a logistics nightmare for humanitarian workers.
In a statement issued by Abubakar Usman, secretary to the Niger state government, Bago directed “low-key” Eid-el Kabir celebrations in emirates across the state.
The Niger governor suspended hawan bariki, durbar and other sallah related activities.
“Abubakar Usman emphasized that this decision was taken as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic incident and to allow for a period of mourning, prayer and reflection,” the statement reads.
“The Mokwa flood, described as one of the worst in decades, has left families bereaved, houses and livelihoods destroyed.
“The governor urged citizens to use the occasion to pray for the departed souls and engage in acts of charity for the affected communities.”
A durbar is a festival held during Eid-el-Kabir and Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.
It begins with prayers, followed by a parade of the traditional ruler and his entourage on horses.
