Vice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed sadness over the devastating floods in Maiduguri the Borno State capital which left thousand of buildings under water with many rendered homeless.
A larger part of Maiduguri metropolis, including the Shehu of Borno’s palace, the State Secretariat, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) office, State Specialist Hospital, among others, have been submerged by water following the collapse of the Alau Dam in Konduga local government area of Borno State in the wee hours of Tuesday.
The Milionaires Quarters around Gamboru Ward and its environs were also flooded even as the popular Lagos Bridge and the Moduganari bypass bridge have also been submerged and inaccessible.
Shettima a former governor of the state who rushed down to Maiduguri for an onsite assessment further explained that the Federal Government set up a contingency plan to protect the state but the level of flooding defied the plans.
He said : “The flood, which began over the weekend and worsened in the following days, was the direct result of excess water from the Alau Dam. The collapse of the spillways unleashed a significant surge of water downstream, causing widespread flooding in the surrounding communities. As we speak, efforts are ongoing to evacuate and resettle residents in the affected areas, while ensuring the provision of food, shelter, and medical assistance until the situation stabilises.
“In response to our 2024 Flood Outlook, we had implemented comprehensive contingency plans and adopted proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts. Despite these preparations, the severity of this flood has far exceeded our estimates, marking the most catastrophic flood in Maiduguri in over three decades. The flood’s unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond our previous experiences. Nonetheless, the Federal Government remains determined in its commitment. As with other states facing similar crises, we will continue with the plans previously initiated in collaboration with the Borno State government. We are resolute in mobilising all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected persons and areas”.
He added: “This disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, not just globally, but particularly to regions like ours. Nigeria’s vulnerability to flood disasters has been highlighted time and again, as witnessed during the devastating floods of 2012, 2018, and 2022. The factors contributing to these recurring disasters are diverse, and it is for this reason that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges head-on”.
Shettima announced that the Federal Government in collaboration with the Borno State government will collaborate on providing assistance and relief materials to affected areas.
Meanwhile the state government re-opened the Bakassi IDP camp to accommodate those displaced by the flood.
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