By Ademola Tijani
President Bola Tinubu has responded to the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, by ordering the evacuation of affected residents and pledging federal assistance to the state.
The flooding, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, has been described as the worst in decades, displacing thousands of people and impacting key facilities such as the central post office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The University of Maiduguri also announced a temporary closure due to the disaster, as stated by its registrar, Ahmad A. Lawan.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, a former governor of Borno State, assured the public that the government would prioritize the welfare of the flood victims. He emphasized that the Tinubu administration is committed to tackling flooding issues head-on, utilizing a comprehensive roadmap designed to address such challenges.
The federal government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris, extended its sympathies to the people of Borno State. Former President Muhammadu Buhari also expressed his condolences, describing the flooding as a national calamity.
Support and solidarity poured in from various quarters. The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya, assured Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum of his support for the affected communities.
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, extended his thoughts and prayers to the people of Borno State. Former Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume called on the federal government, the international community, and development partners to intervene and provide support.
In a related development, heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, flooding homes and businesses and causing significant property damage.
Reacting to the widespread flooding, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) advised governments across the sub-region to allocate budgets specifically for disaster management. A recent study indicated that about 75 percent of West Africa’s population is vulnerable to such natural disasters.
In an official statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his condolences to the families who lost their livelihoods due to the flooding.
He called for the immediate evacuation of people from the affected areas and assured Governor Zulum that the federal government is prepared to collaborate with the state to address the immediate humanitarian needs.
Tinubu also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide assistance to the flood victims, reaffirming his commitment to mobilizing federal resources to support Borno State during this difficult time.
