Nigeria Mourns Victims of China’s Deadly Gansu Landslide, Reaffirms Bilateral Relations

By Harriet Tornguvan 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed deep condolences to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China following a devastating landslide in Gansu Province that claimed at least 21 lives and left several others affected.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigeria stands in solidarity with China as rescue and recovery operations continue in Tanchang County, where the disaster occurred.

The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall on Tuesday, July 7, struck a mountainous area in northwestern China’s Gansu Province, burying homes, severing road links and causing significant destruction. Chinese emergency responders were swiftly deployed to search for survivors, evacuate residents and provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities.

Conveying Nigeria’s sympathies, Ebienfa said the government shares in the grief of families who lost loved ones in the tragedy.

“Nigeria mourns the loss of lives in this disaster, which has claimed at least 21 lives, with others affected amid the rescue operations,” he stated.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, the injured, and all those who have lost loved ones or property in this unfortunate incident.”

The Federal Government also commended the Chinese authorities and rescue personnel for their prompt response to the emergency.

“Nigeria commends the swift response of the Chinese authorities and rescue teams in their efforts to save lives and provide relief to those impacted,” the statement added.

Beyond extending condolences, Nigeria reaffirmed the strong diplomatic and economic ties that exist between both countries. The Ministry noted that China remains one of Nigeria’s most important development partners and a major source of investment in critical infrastructure projects across the country.

Over the years, bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and China has expanded significantly, covering sectors such as trade, investment, agriculture, security, technology, transportation and human capital development under the framework of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“Nigeria and China share a long-standing strategic partnership built on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation,” Ebienfa said.

“Nigeria stands in solidarity with China during this difficult time, and we are confident in the resilience of the Chinese people and government as they work towards recovery and rehabilitation in the affected areas.”

He further offered prayers for the victims and their families, expressing hope for the speedy recovery of those injured in the disaster.

The Gansu landslide has once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of mountainous regions in China during the rainy season. Despite improvements in disaster preparedness and early warning systems, extreme weather events continue to pose significant risks to lives, property and infrastructure across several parts of the country.