Nigeria, June 5 -- The Niger State Government has cancelled the Hawan Bariki, Durbar, and other large-scale Eid-el-Kabir festivities across the state.

The directive was issued by Governor Mohammed Bago, who described the disaster as one of the most catastrophic in recent history.

The disaster caused a significant loss of lives, widespread displacement, and destruction of homes, farmlands, and public infrastructure.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, said the decision was made to honour the memory of those affected and to observe the Sallah period in quiet reflection, mourning, and prayer.

"The government deems it necessary to scale down all Sallah activities across the eight Emirates as ...