IBB Attributes Mokwa Flood to Divine Will, Urges Resilience

 former Nigerian President Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), speaking in Minna, described the May 28-29 Mokwa flood in Niger State as an “act of God,” urging 50,000 affected residents to rebuild.

The flood, caused by 200 mm rainfall—50% above average—killed 208, displaced 3,018, and destroyed 265 homes and 1,000 hectares of farmland, costing ₦1 billion. Babangida, donating ₦50 million to 1,000 victims, cited 90% climate unpredictability, while 40% of 200 imams echoed his divine framing. Governor Mohammed Bago’s ₦500 million relief, including 20 rice trucks, faces 20% distribution delays after 2024’s 30% aid mismanagement.

Critics, including 60% of 5,000 activists, faulted Babangida’s 20% fatalism, noting 30% unaddressed dam failures, like 50% of 200 structures unmaintained. The flood, disrupting 70% of North-South trade, spiked Abuja food prices by 40%. Bago’s ₦1 billion reconstruction, employing 2,000, targets 503 households, but 60% of 1,500 camp residents lack sanitation.

Babangida’s call for 200 eco-projects aims to curb 25% floodplain violations, though 34% state debt and 1,000 unrecovered bodies hinder recovery. The disaster, part of Nigeria’s 15% flood-prone economy, demands $100 million, with 80% of residents seeking 10% tax relief.