Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Federal Government has extended its condolences to the Government and people of China following the devastating landslide that struck Tanchang County in Gansu Province, killing at least 21 people and leaving several others affected, as Abuja reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, described the disaster as a tragic incident and said Nigeria stood in solidarity with China as rescue teams continued efforts to reach victims and support affected communities.
The landslide occurred on Tuesday in Tanchang County, a mountainous area in northwestern China’s Gansu Province, where heavy rainfall triggered the collapse of earth and debris, burying homes and disrupting transportation. Emergency responders were immediately deployed to search for survivors, evacuate residents and provide humanitarian assistance.
Expressing the Federal Government’s sympathy, Ebienfa said Nigeria shared in China’s grief over the lives lost.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria expresses deep condolences to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China following the tragic landslide that struck Tanchang County in Gansu Province on Tuesday, July 7, 2026,” he said.
He added: “Nigeria mourns the loss of lives in this disaster, which has claimed at least 21 lives, with others affected amid the rescue operations. 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 spokesperson also commended the swift response mounted by the Chinese authorities, praising emergency personnel for their efforts to rescue survivors and provide relief to victims.
“Nigeria commends the swift response of the Chinese authorities and rescue teams in their efforts to save lives and provide relief to those impacted,” he stated.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian message, Nigeria used the occasion to reaffirm the strength of its diplomatic and economic relationship with China, one of its largest trading partners and a key investor in critical infrastructure projects across the country.
Over the years, China has played a significant role in financing and constructing major Nigerian infrastructure, including rail lines, airport terminals, highways and power projects. The two countries have also deepened cooperation in trade, investment, security, agriculture, technology and human capital development under the framework of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Reflecting on these longstanding ties, Ebienfa said: “Nigeria and China share a long-standing strategic partnership built on mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation. 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 also offered prayers for those affected by the disaster.
“We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, the speedy recovery of the injured, and strength and comfort for the bereaved families,” he said.
The latest tragedy underscores the vulnerability of many mountainous regions in China to landslides and flash floods, particularly during the annual rainy season. Chinese authorities have in recent years strengthened early warning systems, disaster preparedness and emergency response mechanisms, but extreme weather events linked to intense rainfall continue to pose significant risks to lives and infrastructure.
Nigeria’s condolence message joins those from countries around the world expressing solidarity with China as rescue operations continue and recovery efforts begin in the affected communities.