The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria has described the recent devastating floods in Niger State as a "full-blown humanitarian crisis" requiring urgent government intervention after the disaster claimed at least 153 lives.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, the religious body expressed profound sorrow over the scale of destruction, which has displaced more than 500 households and caused significant damage to critical infrastructure including roads and bridges.

"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," Hayab stated.

While acknowledging the Federal Government's dispatch of a high-level delegation led by the Ministers of Information and Humanitarian Affairs to assess the damage, Northern CAN emphasized that "expressions of sympathy must be matched with urgent, concrete, and sustained responses."

Call for Comprehensive Relief Efforts

The association urged federal and state governments, along with relevant agencies, to scale up emergency interventions by immediately providing essential supplies including food, clean water, medical supplies, clothing, and safe temporary shelters for affected families.

Northern CAN also advocated for the deployment of mobile health clinics and trauma counselors to the hardest-hit communities, describing the tragedy as "more than a natural disaster; it is a test of our collective humanity."

The statement called on churches, mosques, NGOs, corporate organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to contribute through donations, advocacy, and compassionate outreach to the victims.

Emphasizing the need for national unity in response to the disaster, Rev. Hayab stressed that support must reach 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," the statement concluded.