The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating flood that recently ravaged parts of Niger State, describing the incident as a full-blown humanitarian crisis requiring urgent and sustained government intervention.
In a statement in Kaduna by its Chairman, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, the religious body said that the scale of the disaster which has claimed no fewer than 151 lives, displaced over 500 households, and left many others traumatised demands a decisive national response.
Hayab said, ‘We are heartbroken by the sheer scale of devastation. The loss of lives, the destruction of homes, and the collapse of critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges are profoundly distressing. Entire families have been swept away, and survivors are languishing in overcrowded and uninhabitable camps’.
While commending the Federal Government’s decision to dispatch a high-level delegation led by the Minister of Information and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs to assess the damage, CAN warned that mere sympathy would not suffice.
‘We must emphasize that expressions of sympathy must be matched with urgent, concrete, and sustained responses’, Rev. Hayab said.
The Northern CAN called on the federal and state governments, as well as relevant agencies, to scale up emergency interventions by immediately providing food, clean water, medical supplies, clothing, and safe temporary shelters for affected families. It also advocated for the deployment of mobile health clinics and trauma counselors to the hardest-hit communities.
‘This tragedy is more than a natural disaster; it is a test of our collective humanity,” the statement continued. “We urge churches, mosques, NGOs, corporate bodies, and well-meaning Nigerians to rise to the occasion through donations, advocacy, and compassionate outreach’.
Reiterating its commitment to national unity and humanitarian values, Northern CAN emphasized that support must be extended to all victims regardless of religion, ethnicity, or status.
‘As we continue to pray for the bereaved and the safe return of the missing, we also call for national solidarity,” Rev. Hayab concluded. ‘Now is the time to show that we are one people bound by compassion, justice, and hope’.
It was gathered that the Niger flood, which struck Mokwa and adjoining communities, has reignited conversations around climate resilience, poor infrastructure, and the urgency of proactive disaster management in Nigeria.
