The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has reacted to recent tragedies in Niger and Kano states, describing the events as deeply saddening while urging governments and citizens to take preventive actions against future disasters.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF expressed condolences to the governments and residents of both states over the loss of lives and destruction of property.

The group referred to the two incidents—the flood disaster in Niger State and a fatal road crash in Kano—as distressing reminders of the region’s vulnerability to both natural and human-induced emergencies.

According to the Forum, the flooding in Niger State a few days ago caused severe damage, claiming lives, destroying infrastructure, and disrupting economic activity.

“It submerged homes and other critical infrastructure, disrupting the haulage of goods, including foodstuff, to and from the southwestern states of Nigeria,” the statement said.

The Forum also addressed the road crash that occurred in Dakatsalle, Kano State, involving athletes, officials, and journalists who were returning from a sports festival in Ogun State. While confirming that at least 20 lives were lost, the ACF noted that full details of the accident were still emerging. “This is beyond its grim statistics of total loss,” the group said.

“ACF deeply mourns the lives lost, prays to Almighty God to provide succor to survivors to enable them to remain resilient, with necessary strength to rebuild lives and livelihoods,” Muhammad-Baba stated.

The Forum pointed out that it had previously raised concerns about the likelihood of such flooding events, particularly in Mokwa, and had urged all levels of government to implement proactive measures. “With regards to the Mokwa tragedy, ACF had drawn attention to predictions of the possible occurrence of such floods and called on authorities at local, state, and federal levels to ensure that adequate proactive measures are taken,” Muhammad-Baba said.

He added that there was still an opportunity to act ahead of similar predictable events. “ACF believes that there is still time to prepare for such predictable events, even if beyond human control,” he said. “ACF therefore reiterates its call for adequate preparations by all concerned, to ensure that devastating consequences as witnessed at Mokwa will be minimized.”

The Forum called on emergency agencies, aid organizations, and relevant authorities to build capacity and resources to respond to potential future crises. “ACF hereby repeats its call on public emergency agencies, aid organizations, etc., to stock up on essential resources with which to serve all who may come to need same, assist vulnerable communities with preparations, clear drainages and repair of related infrastructure, ensure strict enforcement of regulatory planning codes, town regional and environmental regulations,” Muhammad-Baba said.

The statement also urged citizens to play their part in preventing disasters by observing environmental rules and maintaining hygiene. “ACF also calls 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,” he added.

Muhammad-Baba concluded by praying for divine protection over communities and the nation, stating, “May God Almighty continue to protect our peoples and communities from natural and human-induced calamities.”