APC Chieftain Seeks Urgent Support For Borno Flood Victims

Government agencies, humanitarian groups, corporate organisations and individuals have been urged to come to the aid of flood victims in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

A former House of Representatives member, Professor Haruna Yerima, disclosed this in a statement he issued to sympathise with the flood victims on Wednesday.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said more than 239,000 people were affected by the floods.

The Tuesday flooding was triggered by the collapse of Alau Dam which according to reports, has been at full capacity for weeks.

Greater parts of Maiduguri, which include Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin communities were submerged.

The floods submerged the Shehu of Borno Palace, Maiduguri Prison, Maiduguri Zoo, cemeteries and thousands of residences.

Professor Yerima, who is a university teacher said, “Maiduguri residents need the support they can get from good-spirited individuals, corporate bodies and humanitarian agencies.”

He said the disaster, the worst in more than 30 years, “has brought untold trauma to the residents of Maiduguri. They require the support of all and sundry in terms of food, medical supplies, water, clothing, among others.”

The former lawmaker commended Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Babagana Zulum for their prompt efforts in ameliorating the suffering of the displaced residents.

He, however, said the federal and state governments can’t do everything at the same time, they need the support of NGOs, corporate organisations and individuals.

“At a time like this, corporate organisations, humanitarian groups and well-to-do individuals must come and complement federal and state governments’ efforts in helping the people of Maiduguri who were devastated by this calamity.”

The university don said the floodwaters have unleashed venomous animals from the state zoo, deepening the threats of attacks among residents.

He said the collaboration is needed to avert the breakdown of diseases in the state capital. “It was on record that the floodwaters washed away a cemetery and thousands of septic tanks, which pose a greater danger to the wellbeing of the city’s residents.”

The collapsed dam, Alau Dam, is an important water resource for Maiduguri and was constructed between 1984 and 1986. It impounds a major reservoir on the Ngadda River, one of the tributaries of Lake Chad.