Borno Flood: Political Parties Demand Proactive Measures To Avert Recurrence

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged governments at all levels to take proactive measures to prevent a recurrence of the flood that affected most parts of Maiduguri, the state capital, following the overflow of Alau Dam in the state.

The umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria stated this while commiserating with the government and people of Borno State over the devastating flood.

Following the collapse of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State, residents have lamented that their livelihoods have been washed away by the flood.

The dam collapsed on Tuesday, causing a humanitarian crisis in the Borno State capital as flood devastated much of the metropolis, leaving thousands of residents trapped.

LEADERSHIP gathered from officials that 37 people have been killed as a result of the flood, while prisoners have also escaped.

It was also gathered that graveyards had been submerged while dangerous animals had crept into the communities, of which about 75 per cent had been taken over by water.

The Shehu of Borno’s palace, the State Secretariat, Customs, the State Specialist Hospital, UNIMAID, and Gwange areas have been submerged by floodwaters following the collapse of the Alau Dam in the Konduga local government area of Borno State.

However, IPAC, in a statement by its national chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, yesterday, said it is saddened by this natural disaster which displaced thousands of citizens, submerged houses, destroyed farms and paralysed socio-economic activities in the state.

The statement reads in part, “We share the pains and grief of those affected by this horrible flooding and urge relevant government agencies to intensify the search and rescue operations to save lives and provide relief materials to victims.

“Our thoughts and prayers are also with other flood victims across the country, particularly those who lost their loved ones and means of livelihood. This is a trying period and a time to demonstrate love and compassion to fellow compatriots that will alleviate their sufferings and restore hope for a brighter future.”