Governors rally support for devastated Borno flood victims

Governors are standing united in their support for victims of the devastating flooding in Maiduguri and Jere in Borno State.

They pledged food support and hailed the Federal Government and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for immediately rising to the occasion, thereby mitigating the losses.

As of yesterday, the flood has shown no signs of receding, leaving entire communities submerged under water, according to a report by The United Nations World Food Programme in Nigeria (WFP Nigeria).

A series of images shared on X shows streets, schools, and government facilities still flooded.

Representatives of the governors inspected many of the areas affected by the disaster for firsthand knowledge of the situation, which led to the displacement of more than half a million people and affected over a million.

Not less than 40 per cent of the farmland was washed away and crops destroyed, raising fears of food insecurity.

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) described the situation as “a huge humanitarian crisis” after the visit.

The flooding, caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam water channels, submerged residential quarters, offices, roads and bridges.

NGF chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said in a statement on X: “ I led my colleagues at the NGF to Maiduguri, Borno State, where we assessed the impact of the recent flooding that has displaced thousands of residents.

“It is a huge humanitarian crisis, which requires that we all rally around the victims at this time.

“The NGF stands in solidarity with the government and residents of the affected areas.

“We commend the swift efforts of the Federal Government and the state’s authorities to bring immediate succour to the victims.”

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a separate message on X on the visit, said the governors of Ondo, Adamawa, and Kwara were in Borno “to extend our support to Governor Zulum in light of the tragic flooding in Maiduguri”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected by this disaster,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of a united response to the crisis, urging the nation to rally behind Borno.

“The extent of the flooding in Maiduguri is truly devastating.

“As a nation, it is important that we come together to provide relief, assist in rescue operations, and ensure that those affected receive the necessary aid.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Maiduguri and commend the ongoing rescue efforts.

“The community’s resilience is truly inspiring, and Lagos remains dedicated to offering our support in every possible way,” Sanwo-Olu added.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu expressed her heartfelt condolences to the people of Borno.

In a personal statement, Mrs. Tinubu commiserated with the affected community.

She acknowledged the immense burden of the tragic loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods, emphasizing that no community should have to bear such a burden.

The First Lady prayed for the resilience and strength of the people of Borno, expressing hope that they would rise above the tragedy and emerge stronger.

She also offered her prayers for the departed souls, seeking Almighty Allah’s grant of Aljanah Firdaus.

“I commiserate with Governor Zulum, his wife and the entire people of the state as they face the devastating impacts of the recent flooding.

“My heart and prayers are with you during this challenging time. The tragic loss of lives, homes and livelihoods is an immense burden that no community should have to bear.

“I pray that Borno State would rise above this tragedy and emerge stronger and more resilient.

“May Almighty Allah grant the departed souls Aljanah Firdaus and may you find the strength and hope to overcome these trying times”.

Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, hopes the interventions so far will ameliorate the situation and bring immediate relief to the people.

“The government and the people of Ogun State are with the Borno people during this period of agony, and we shall continue to pray for them,” he said.

Former Senator President Ahmad Lawan and the Northern Senators’ Forum decried the devastation caused by flooding in Borno and Bauchi states.

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Lawan in a statement by his media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, commiserated with Governor Zulum and the people of Borno.

“The Borno State government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, should embark on a comprehensive flood control programme to mitigate future disasters,” he said.

Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, in a statement, condoled with the people.

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He said: “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and those displaced by this devastating flood.”

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) warned of likely food insecurity following the impact on over 40 per cent of farmlands in Borno.

The Commission has also promised to send food and non-food items to victims to assuage their sufferings.

It also said it would support the Borno State Government in providing access to the Commission’s recovery shelter at Amarwa Resettlement City.

Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Tijani Ahmed, said: “It has been established that about 40 per cent of the farmlands in Maiduguri is under siege ahead of the harvest season.

“The destruction of crops is likely to increase food insecurity, which has affected over a million people.

“From the needs assessment carried out, many persons have been displaced, some children declared missing and lives lost.

“Additionally, infrastructural facilities, including bridges, roads, and houses, have been affected, hampering access to hospitals, schools, markets and other livelihood activities in the affected states.

“We will provide food, non-food items, educational materials, WASH, Shelter, drugs and medical supplies for emergency needs to bring succour to those adversely impacted by the flooding.

“The Commission will also ensure the provision of mental health and psycho-social support to traumatized populations.

“Equally, the Commission will support the Borno State Government in providing access to the Commission’s recovery shelter at Amarwa Resettlement City.”

To prevent re-occurrence, the Commission said it would liaise with relevant stakeholders to organise advocacy on the need to educate households to ensure the clearing of drainage lines to allow for seamless flow of water within the Maiduguri metropolis and other communities.

He added that an immediate palliative arrangement has been concluded by the Commission to stabilise the displaced population in Borno State.

Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), described the flooding as devastating.

In a statement by its National President, Aminu Mua’zu Maifata, ALGON called for swift measures to prevent future occurrences.

“We believe that a multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to address the root causes of this disaster and ensure that those affected receive the necessary support.

“Once again, we sympathize with the people of Maiduguri and assure them of our support during this challenging period” the statement reads.

NEMA: Flooding displaced 1m nationwide

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said 1,048,312 people have been affected by flooding, with 625,239 displaced and 259 lives lost across the country.

The agency said the current trend of flooding shows that 29 states and 172 LGAs have been impacted.

It added that 94, 491 houses and 125,805 farmlands have also been affected.

The agency said the data shows those who have been affected between April and September.

To manage the likely impact of the flooding and other disasters, NEMA revealed that Internally Displaced Persons camps have been activated in some states.

The agency said it could not ascertain the lives lost in Maiduguri at the moment, noting that search and rescue operations were ongoing.

Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, said these in Abuja at the National Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) meeting.

Katsina is still recovering from the flooding that wreaked havoc in the state.

Director of the State Emergency Agency, Binta Hussain Dagana, said 15 people died in the flood.

He said 3,094 persons were displaced while 21,481 were injured since last month.

The Jigawa government has distributed food and non-food items to 15,755 persons displaced by flood in 17 local government areas of the state.

Governor Umar Namadi spoke during the inauguration of the relief items distribution exercise in Kiyawa, headquarters of Kiyawa Local Government Area of the state.

He said the state government in collaboration with the Federal Government, development organisations and philanthropists would continue to support the victims of the disaster.

Property developers in the upland and riverine areas of Warri South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State have been warned to steer clear of natural water channels across the area.

Chairman of the council, Comrade Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, expressed displeasure at how people build residential houses, business among other structures on water channels.