President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sadness over the occurrence of two separate tragedies that in Adamawa and Niger states.
In a statement on Monday, the President extended his condolences to the families affected by the flooding in Yola.
He also mourned victims of the fatal boat mishap in Guni village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
He described both incidents as heartbreaking.
“I deeply sympathize with all those affected by these unfortunate events. The loss of lives in both tragedies is heartbreaking,” he said.
The President commended emergency responders, including local divers, volunteers, and community leaders, for their swift action and commitment to saving lives despite limited resources.
He noted that flooding has become a global challenge worsened by climate change but warned that human negligence often aggravates the impact.
“Flooding is a global phenomenon caused by climate change. But our citizens must refrain from actions that make a bad situation worse.”
Tinubu praised the efforts of emergency management agencies in Adamawa and Niger States for their courage and responsiveness.
However, he expressed concern that such avoidable tragedies continue to repeat despite ongoing public awareness and government interventions.
He highlighted the role of agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in driving preventive measures, but stressed that their work must not go to waste.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and local influencers to help educate residents-particularly in flood-prone and riverine communities-on water safety and disaster preparedness.
In response, President Tinubu directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Emergency Response Centre to work with the governments of Adamawa and Niger States to carry out urgent rescue operations and deliver relief materials to affected communities.
