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Console other residents and survivors
From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Northern Governors’ Forum has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives in a recent road accident in Kano State and the devastating floods in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, describing the incidents as devastating and a national tragedy needing urgent and coordinated action.
In a statement issued by Ismail Uba Misilli, on behalf of the Forum’s Chairman and Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, the governors extended condolences to the families of the deceased in the Kano accident, which claimed 21 lives of the athletes returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
“These young athletes were more than representatives of Kano State; they were shining symbols of hope and promise for our region and the entire nation. Their exploits at the sports festival made us proud, and their untimely deaths are a painful reminder of life’s fragility,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated.
Equally, the Forum commiserated with victims of the Mokwa floods, which have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands, destroying farmlands, homes, and other critical public infrastructure in the area.
According to Misilli, Governor Yahaya described the scale of destruction as heartbreaking and urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts to bring immediate relief and long-term recovery to the affected areas.
He praised the swift response of the Niger State Government under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the efforts of emergency management agencies working tirelessly to provide humanitarian aid and restore order.
“This tragic event highlights the growing threat of climate-induced disasters and the urgent need for sustainable flood control and resilience strategies across Northern Nigeria,” Governor Yahaya stated.
He assured support for victims and the Niger State government and called on well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and development partners to join in the relief and recovery efforts.
“As we mourn with the bereaved families and stand in solidarity with the displaced, we are ready to work with Niger State in taking decisive steps to ensure such disasters are better mitigated in the future,” he added.