Nigeria condoles Japan after deadly 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Kumamoto

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended condolences to Japan following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday July 28, 2026, causing deaths, injuries and extensive damage.

This was made known in a statement obtained on Thursday from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

Issued on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the statement expressed solidarity with the Japanese people and praised the rapid emergency response.

Signed by Ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the release prayed for victims’ recovery and the resilience of affected communities across Kyushu.

“The Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have received with deep concern the news of the powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan on 28 July 2026.

“On behalf of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Government and people of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu, extends heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Japan, and particularly to the families of those who lost their lives, the injured, and all those affected by this natural disaster,” the statement noted.

“Nigeria stands in solidarity with Japan during this difficult time. We commend the swift response of the Japanese authorities and emergency services,” it continued, reaffirming “the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two countries” and praying “for the swift recovery of the injured, the safety of those still unaccounted for, and the resilience of the people of Kumamoto and the wider Kyushu region as they rebuild.