The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Northern Nigeria, 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.
A statement issued by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and made available to DAILY POST on Monday, said the scale of the disaster which has claimed no fewer than 153 lives, displaced over 500 households, and left many others traumatized, demands a decisive national response.
According to Hayab, “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.”;
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.
He appealed, “We must emphasize that expressions of sympathy must be matched with urgent, concrete, and sustained responses.”;
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 and also advocated for the deployment of mobile health clinics and trauma counselors to the hardest-hit communities.
It noted, “This tragedy is more than a natural disaster; it is a test of our collective humanity. 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, he emphasized that support must be extended to all victims regardless of religion, ethnicity, or status.
He emphasized, “As we continue to pray for the bereaved and the safe return of the missing, we also call for national solidarity. Now is the time to show that we are one people bound by compassion, justice, and hope.”;
