By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna/ Newspointer News
Kaduna Nigeria – 2, 2025
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on federal, state, and local authorities to take proactive steps to mitigate the devastating impact of natural disasters, especially flooding, which continues to threaten lives and livelihoods in parts of northern Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the Forum commiserated with the governments and people of Niger and Kano States following two recent tragedies — a major flood in Niger State and a fatal road accident in Kano State.
The ACF described the recent flood in Mokwa, Niger State, as unprecedented, noting that it claimed multiple lives, displaced residents, submerged homes and critical infrastructure, and disrupted the transportation of goods — including food — between the north and southwestern Nigeria.
The Forum also extended condolences to the families of victims of a road accident in Dakatsalle, Kano State, involving athletes, officials, and journalists returning from a sports festival in Ogun State. The crash resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people. The ACF noted that full details of the incident were still being awaited.
“The ACF deeply mourns the lives lost and prays for divine comfort for survivors and families affected. We ask Almighty God to grant the injured a speedy recovery and to strengthen communities as they rebuild,” the statement read.
The ACF emphasized that the Mokwa flood was a stark reminder of earlier meteorological warnings and urged relevant agencies to intensify efforts at disaster preparedness and prevention.
“Flooding of this magnitude had been predicted. Authorities must ensure proactive measures — including massive public enlightenment campaigns — especially for those in flood-prone areas,” the Forum said.
The Forum stressed that although natural disasters may not always be preventable, their impact can be significantly reduced through advance planning and collective responsibility.
To this end, the ACF called on emergency management agencies and humanitarian organisations to stock essential supplies, assist vulnerable communities with preparedness, clear drainages, and enforce building and environmental regulations.
Citizens were also advised to adopt sound environmental and sanitary practices, obey urban planning codes, and refrain from dumping waste in unauthorized areas or blocking drainage channels.
“We must all play our part. May God Almighty continue to protect our communities from both natural and human-induced disasters,” the Forum concluded.
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