Police in Borno State yesterday calmed hundreds of victims of the flood disaster in Maiduguri who were protesting neglect by the state government in the provision of relief items.
The state government had embarked of provision food and non-food items including N10,000 cash to victims taking refuge in most of the camps officially opened over the flood. However, there are unofficial camps where other victims settled.
The victims staged a protest at the Baga Road area of Maiduguri metropolis before the police waded in and calmed them .
A statement issued by the spokesman of the police, Nahum Kenneth Daso, said the commissioner of police, Mohammed Lawal Yusufu , urged the victims in Maiduguri to maintain composure.
Yusufu, in his address to the affected individuals, pacified them and underscored the importance of patience, assuring that the state government, in partnership with NEMA, SEMA, and other humanitarian organisations, had instituted essential relief measures for their benefit.
He cautioned that impeding the flow of traffic on major thoroughfares would exacerbate the situation, potentially compromising sustainable peace in the state and impeding relief operations.
“The Displaced victims have been issued token cards to receive government-distributed palliatives. The public is encouraged to conduct their lawful activities without apprehension, as the command remains steadfast in upholding law and order,” he said.
