Buhari, Katsina Governor Radda mourn
Former President Muhammadu Buhari and Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda yesterday expressed grief over the Niger and Kano states’ flood and road tragedies.
In separate messages to Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State and his Kano State counterpart, Abba Yusuf, Buhari and Radda said the incidents were ‘’painful’’ and ‘’unfortunate’’
Also, the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and The Republic of Türkiye extended their condolences to the Federal and Niger State government as well as the families of victims.
Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman Garba Shehu, said he was “shocked and devastated” by the loss of lives to the disasters in Niger and Kano states.
He offered his condolences to the affected families and communities.
His statement reads in part: “I am deeply pained by the loss of lives due to the floods in Niger State and the road accident in Kano State.
“The deaths are painful and devastating. Condolences to the families and friends of all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”
The former president lamented that the incidents happened in quick sequence and left him and many others around the world in a state of sorrow and disbelief.
In Katsina, Governor Radda described the floods in Mokwa , as a natural disaster that brought immense pain and suffering to the affected communities.
He said: “The news of the Mokwa flood disaster deeply grieves us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this unfortunate incident.
“Natural disasters are a reminder of our shared vulnerability and the importance of standing together during times of crisis. Katsina State stands in complete solidarity with her Niger State brothers and sisters during this difficult period.’’
He offered prayers for the souls of the departed and asked Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljannatul Firdaos.
While condoling with his Kano State counterpart, Radda described the road accident which claimed the lives of 22 athletes returning to Kano from the National Sports festival in Ogun state, as ‘’painful and monumental. ‘’
He said: ‘’The unfortunate incident is a devastating blow to Nigeria’s sporting community and a painful loss that has left the entire nation in mourning
‘’The news of this tragic accident has deeply saddened us all. These young athletes represented the hopes and dreams of their families, communities, Kano State and Nigeria. ‘’
The Republic of Türkiye said it was in solidarity with the Federal Government over the Mokwa floods, deaths and destruction.
This is contained in a statement by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Turkish government also extended its condolences to the families of victims.
It said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and destruction caused by the devastating floods in the Mokwa region of Niger State, Nigeria.
“We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria.”
In Minna, the Niger State chapter of CAN also extended its condolences to the people of Mokwa.
The state Chairman . Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, expressed solidarity on behalf of the entire Christendom and assured the people of continuous prayers.
“On behalf of the entire Christendom in the state, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones, and we stand with everyone who has suffered in this disaster,” Yohanna said.
Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, lauded the federal and state governments for directing their relevant and emergency response agencies to mobilise resources for the affected persons.
The cleric urged all residents to remain hopeful and proactive in the recovery efforts to ensure that Mokwa emerges stronger from the crisis.
