Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has called on governments at all levels to adopt a more proactive and preventive approach to disaster management, following the devastating flood that recently claimed lives and displaced residents in Yola, Adamawa State.

In a statement released on Thursday, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party expressed deep sorrow over the flood event, describing it as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s urgent need to invest in disaster preparedness, environmental protection, and resilient infrastructure.

Obi, in his message, extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of those injured.

“My heart goes out to the families of the latest disaster who have lost loved ones and to all those injured in the tragic flood in Yola,” he said.

“This is another painful reminder of the urgent need for serious investment in disaster preparedness, environmental protection, and urban infrastructure across Nigeria.”

While commending the swift response by the Adamawa State Government, the state police command, and other emergency agencies involved in the rescue operations, Obi stressed that flood disasters should not be treated as isolated or routine occurrences.

“Disasters must no longer be reduced to passing headlines. It is time for our government, at all levels, to embrace a proactive approach, investing in effective drainage infrastructure to protect our people and preserve their means of livelihood,” he stated.

Obi urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relief agencies to act promptly in delivering both immediate and long-term support to the affected communities.

“I stand in solidarity with the affected communities in Adamawa State and call on NEMA and other relevant authorities to move swiftly to provide relief and long-term support for the victims,” Obi said.

He also offered prayers for the souls of the deceased and for strength and healing for the displaced and injured.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may healing come swiftly to the injured and displaced,” he added.

Naijaonpoint reports that the flood incident in Yola is one of several recent climate-induced disasters affecting communities across Nigeria, renewing calls for sustainable infrastructure and urgent environmental reforms.