The Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, has commiserated with bereaved families of persons who died in the Mokwa flood disaster.
Opeifa stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the Mai Gari of Mokwa, (Ndalile Mokwa), Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu-Shaba, after assessing the devastation to rail tracks by the flood.
He expressed condolences to the Mokwa people, Bida emirate and the entire state at large over the devastating flood resulting in loss of many lives and extensive destruction to properties.
“I wish to on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Transportation, the entire staff of the Nigeria Railway Cooperation extend our deepest condolences to you, the people of Mokwa, families affected by the recent flood disaster.
“It is indeed heartbreaking to all and sundry that the tragic incident has brought serious sorrow and pain to the Mokwa community”, the managing director stated.
Opeifa also expressed his deepest appreciation to Ndalile and members of his community for ensuring a robust security around the NRC tracks.
He said that the Federal Government was seriously concerned about the extent of devastation to the community.
The NRC managing director said that assessment had already been carried out, especially on the damaged rail tracks.
Opeifa also pledged that the government would leave no stone unturned to expeditiously repair the damaged rail tracks.
He further prayed to God to grant the souls of the departed rest and strengthen those who lost loved ones or properties to the incident
In his response, the Ndalile of Mokwa, Aliyu-Shaba, regretted the flood disaster in his community describing it as “an act already ordained by Allah”.
He described Mokwa as “Mini Nigeria”, adding that all tribes of the country were found in the community co-habiting and living in peace and harmony.
He appealed to the Federal Government and all well-meaning Nigerians to come to the assistance of the town and support the relief efforts.
According to him, the community has never experienced such catastrophe in its history of existence.
Aliyu-Shaba, however, said that the community has strong resolve and would continue to collaborate with the government towards rebuilding of infrastructures and development of the town.
