ACF mourns victims of flood, road crash in Niger, Kano states
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep sorrow over two recent tragedies that struck northern Nigeria, a deadly flood in Niger State and a fatal road accident in Kano State.
According to the ACF, the flood in Niger state claimed about 150 lives, destroyed properties, and displaced many residents.
In Kano State’s Dakatsalle area, at least 20 people, including athletes, officials, and journalists returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State, lost their lives in a horrific road crash.
In a statement signed by its national publicity decretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF said it was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and prayed for God’s comfort for the bereaved and quick recovery for the injured.
The Forum also urged authorities to take disaster predictions seriously, recalling that it had previously raised concerns over the possibility of flooding in Niger State.
“We believe there is still time to prepare for such predictable events, even if they are beyond human control,” the statement added.
The ACF prayed that such tragedies would not occur again in the affected states or anywhere else in the country.
The ACF however reiterated its call for adequate preparations by all concerned to minimize devastating consequences, urging public emergency agencies, aid organizations, and citizens to take necessary steps to prevent similar tragedies.
“We call on citizens to observe sound environmental and hygienic practices, respect regulatory codes, laws, and regulations, unblock drainages and water channels, and desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorized places.”
The Northern Socio-cultural group prayed that God Almighty continues to protect Nigerians from natural and human-induced calamities, noting that, as the nation mourns the lives lost, all stakeholders must work together to prevent future tragedies.
