By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The leaderships of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja and Middle Belt Forum (MBF) have mourned victims of Niger State flood disaster which claimed about 150 lives, in separate statements in Kaduna Monday,June 2.
CAN expressed deep sorrow over the devastating flood, describing the incident as a full-blown humanitarian crisis requiring urgent and sustained government intervention.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and made available to newsme, CAN said the scale of the disaster which also displaced over 500 households and left many others traumatized, demands a decisive national response.
Rev. Hayab said: “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.
“Entire families have been swept away, and survivors are languishing in overcrowded and uninhabitable camps.”
While commending the Federal Government’s decision to dispatch a high-level delegation led by the Minister of Informations and that of Humanitarian Affairs to assess the damage, CAN advised that mere sympathy would not suffice.
“We must emphasize that expressions of sympathy must be matched with urgent, concrete, and sustained responses,” Rev. Hayab said.
The association 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.
It also advocated for the deployment of mobile health clinics and trauma counselors to the hardest-hit communities.
“This tragedy is more than a natural disaster; it is a test of our collective humanity,” the statement continued.
“We urge churches, mosques, NGOs, corporate bodies, and well-meaning Nigerians to rise to the occasion through donations, advocacy, and compassionate outreach.” it urged.
Reiterating its commitment to national unity and humanitarian values, Northern CAN emphasized that support must be extended to all victims regardless of religion, ethnicity, or status.
“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,” he stressed.
Recall that the Niger flood which devastated Mokwa and adjoining communities has reignited conversations around climate resilience, poor infrastructure, and the urgency of proactive disaster management in Nigeria.
In a similar manner, while the MBF commiserated with the flood victims, it condemned the renewed massacres across the forum’s region, according to a statement signed by MBF spokesman, Mr. Luka Binniyat and released in Kaduna.
“MBF wishes to express deep sorrow and heartfelt sympathy to the victims of the devastating floods that recently ravaged Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State and environs.
“The communities of Muwo, Katcha, Jebba-Mokwa Road settlements, and parts of Rabba were the worst hit, resulting in the loss of no fewer than 120 lives and the displacement of hundreds.
“Homes, farmlands, and livelihoods have been swept away by the deluge, leaving entire families in anguish and uncertainty. We stand in solidarity with all those affected and urge both state and federal emergency services to respond swiftly with aid, shelter, and rehabilitation support.
“We also strongly condemn the continued bloodletting and acts of terror being inflicted on the innocent people of Plateau State, especially in Mushere Chiefdom in Bokkos LGA, as well as Riyom and Bassa LGAs.
“In the past week alone, at least 18 persons have been brutally murdered in renewed attacks. The communities of Maiyanga, Butura, Hurum, and Gana-Ropp have suffered deadly ambushes and night raids by armed Fulani militias.
“Tiv and Idoma lands in Benue state have had no reprieve from the atrocities of these armed Fulani herdsmen, some clearly identified by surviving victims. This carnage is unacceptable, and the silence and lukewarmness from the authorities against these mass murderers only emboldens the perpetrators’, it stated.
The Forum was appalled by the recent killings in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, adding that armed groups invaded the communities of Munga Lalau and Munga Doso, killing no fewer than 50 residents and razing homes.
“These attacks are part of a disturbing pattern of terror being spread across the Middle Belt with clear intentions. It is no longer in doubt that the Middle Belt region is under siege in what can only be described as a well-orchestrated and coordinated campaign of terror by armed Fulani herdsmen, often better armed than state security forces,” MBF stated.
MBF Disputes FG’s Usual Position Of Herders’/Farmers’ Clash
“This is not a herders/farmers clash. Neither is it a fallout of climate change or a competition for resources. It is organized ethno-religious cleansing and land occupation masquerading as communal conflict,” the Forum said, rejecting any narrative that seeks to justify or downplay what it described as “genocide.”
They lamented that over 40 communities across Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi LGAs are now under the control of armed militias, in Niger State.
MBF continued: “In Southern Kaduna, more than 60 communities in Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Kauru, Chikun and Kajuru LGAs have been sacked, with thousands displaced.
“In Southern Kebbi, especially in Danko-Wasagu and Fakai LGAs, at least 12 villages have been overrun in recent months.
Savage Bloodfest In Benue State
“In Benue state: Information reaching the MBF alleged that 15 Council wards in Gwer West LGA have been displaced and taken over by the herdsmen.
“In Guma LGA, several communities in six council wards have been taken over. It is not different from Gwer East LGA where Mbalom council ward has experienced displacement, with residents fleeing to safer areas.
“The tragedy is the same for Kwande and even Makurdi LGA.”
It added: “According to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), over 50 communities across 25 council wards in these five Local Government Areas have been displaced by armed herdsmen.
‘These attacks are not random. They are systematic, strategic, and aimed at displacing indigenous populations and occupying ancestral lands. The so-called grazing conflicts have transformed into territorial conquests. The perpetrators are not prosecuted even when survivors claim that they know them.
“We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently rise to its constitutional responsibility of securing lives and property. This must include: Immediate recruitment, training, and deployment of forest guards and local civilian volunteers who understand the terrain and can support the overstretched military and security agencies; provision of adequate arms, logistics, and coordination to ensure these forces are not outgunned; declaration of a security emergency across the Middle Belt, with targeted operations to retake captured territories and flush out terror cells.”
MBF continued: “The Federal Government must stop shielding criminals with false narratives. What we are witnessing is not a consequence of desertification or economic hardship; it is targeted violence driven by ideology, impunity, and a quest for domination.
“The Middle Belt has paid too much in blood and tears. Our people, known for their hospitality and resilience, are now facing extermination in silence. We demand justice. We demand protection. We must not be pushed to seek for untoward ways to defend our lives, lands and dignity.”
