From John Adams, Minna
The Niger State Government has announced the recovery of additional two more dead bodies from the last Wednesday’s flood disaster bringing the official figure to 153.
The bodies were recovered yesterday morning even as search and recovery operations are ongoing with the national emergency response ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be fully activated.
The secretary to the state government in a statement in Minna, yesterday, said the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) in collaboration with local authorities and volunteers, have continued to work around the clock to provide relief to the affected people.
“While we share in the pain of every family that has been affected, we urge members of the public to remain calm and sensitive in their communications, particularly on social media and other platforms.
“This is a time of mourning and collective grief for us as a state as spreading unverified or sensational information only adds to the sorrow and confusion already being experienced,” the statement added.
The government, therefore, called on all citizens to cooperate with relevant authorities and to trust in the ongoing response efforts, adding that, “we also appeal to the conscience of all Nigerlites to prioritise unity, compassion and factual reporting during this challenging time.”
While sympathising with the family of those who lost their lives, he prayed for the souls of those who died and for the bereaved families to have the fortitude to bear the loss.