No Drums, No Durbar: Governor Bago Cancels Sallah Festivities After Niger Flood Kills 200
In a bold and emotional response to one of the worst natural disasters in Niger State’s history, Governor Umar Bago has ordered all Eid-el-Kabir celebrations across the state to be observed in a low-key manner. The directive comes in the aftermath of a catastrophic flood that struck Mokwa Local Government Area on May 29, 2025, leaving over 200 people dead and thousands displaced.
According to a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, the governor has suspended all traditional Sallah activities, including the iconic Hawan Bariki, Durbar processions, and other public gatherings. The move, the statement said, is a mark of respect for the victims and a call for collective mourning.
“This decision was taken as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic flood in Mokwa,” the statement read. “It is also intended to allow a period of mourning, prayer, and sober reflection across the state.”
The devastating flood, which wiped out three major bridges and affected 503 households, has displaced more than 3,000 residents, overwhelming emergency responders and creating a logistical nightmare for relief efforts. Communities are still reeling from the destruction, with damaged infrastructure making access to affected areas increasingly difficult.
Governor Bago extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and called on residents to channel the spirit of the Eid into prayer, charity, and solidarity. “This is a time to comfort the afflicted, support the displaced, and remember the dead,” he said.
The cancellation of the Durbar, a spectacle that draws massive crowds with its blend of spirituality, pageantry, and cultural pride, signals a sharp departure from tradition. But the governor insists the state must prioritize compassion over celebration.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rebuilding damaged infrastructure, providing aid to victims, and implementing long-term flood prevention strategies.
“This is a moment of reckoning for Niger State. We must unite in grief, rise in compassion, and act with responsibility. Our culture is strong, but our humanity must be stronger,” Bago said.
The governor’s decision has sparked widespread public support, with many praising the administration’s sensitivity and focus on humanitarian needs during a time of profound loss.
