The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic flood disaster in Niger State, which has claimed over 160 lives and caused the destruction of infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods worth billions of naira.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the forum extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, as well as the Government and people of Niger State.
NEF called on the federal government to take urgent and comprehensive action to support victims, including the immediate deployment of relief materials, access to medical and psychosocial care, and the restoration of essential services in affected communities.
The forum also raised alarm over the recurring nature of such disasters, pointing to climate change, poor urban planning, weak environmental management, and inadequate disaster preparedness as root causes that must be urgently addressed to prevent future tragedies.
Jiddere said, “The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), wishes to convey its deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and to the people and Government of Niger State, following the tragic and catastrophic flood disaster that has claimed the lives of over 160 citizens and resulted in the destruction of homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure worth billions of naira
“This painful tragedy is not an isolated event. It echoes similar devastating floods that swept through several parts of Northern Nigeria in the past year, highlighting an alarming trend of recurrent natural disasters that continue to inflict severe humanitarian and socio-economic consequences on affected communities.
“The Forum is profoundly concerned by the recurring nature of these flood incidents, which reflect not only changing climate patterns but also systemic challenges in the areas of urban planning, environmental management, and disaster preparedness. The loss of so many lives and the scale of destruction witnessed in Niger State demand a robust, coordinated, and sustained response at the highest levels of government.”
NEF stressed that such intervention should be undertaken in close collaboration with the Niger State Government to ensure effective coordination, proper targeting of aid, and long-term recovery planning.
The forum urged the Federal Government to commission a thorough investigation into the causes and contributing factors behind the flooding.
Jiddere added; “This should involve expert assessments of water management infrastructure, drainage systems, land use practices, and emergency response mechanisms. The outcome of such an investigation must inform the development of a national flood mitigation strategy tailored to the specific vulnerabilities of Northern Nigeria.
“To avert future disasters of this magnitude, NEF recommends urgent investment in modern flood control systems, rehabilitation and expansion of existing drainage networks, reinforcement of riverbanks, and the establishment of early warning systems. Additionally, there must be a commitment to public education and community-level preparedness, particularly in flood-prone areas.
“The Northern Elders Forum stands in solidarity with the victims of this tragedy and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for policies and actions that protect the lives, dignity, and welfare of all Nigerians.”
