·Sultan urges govt to publicise prone zones for citizens' safety·Bauchi gov donates N250m, feeds 10,000 victims·IGP leads N-East CPs, others to assess destroyed Police formations
Maiduguri--President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, visited victims of the last Tuesday flood disaster that has killed no fewer than 30 persons, displaced more than two million people, and destroyed property worth billions of naira.
This came as Jama'atu Nasril Islam, JNI, under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar IV has urged the Federal Government to publicise flood-prone zones for citizens' safety
President Tinubu during the visit assured that the federal government will provide maximum assistance to Borno and other states affected by flood disasters to cushion their immediate sufferings.
He spoke when he paid a sympathy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi and the victims of the flood disaster.
Addressing some of the victims taking refuge at the Government College before proceeding to the Shehu of Borno's palace which was completely submerged, the President said "We are here to sympathise with you over the unfortunate flood disaster, and I want to assure Borno people and other states affected by natural disasters that the federal government will give the desired maximum support.
"I was outside the country for an official engagement when I heard of the shocking news of the flood. Already, the Vice-President has visited the state on behalf of the federal government, but I have to come all the way from America to personally sympathise with you.
"I want to commend Governor Zulum, The Shehu of Borno and all other stakeholders for their contributions".
While at the Government College, the President commiserated with the victims and assured them that the government at all levels would not forsake them, but do everything possible to support them and mitigate their immediate sufferings.
Responding, Governor Zulum and the Royal Father commended President Tinubu for finding time to sympathize with them at this trying moment, saying among others,
"I want to also appreciate the federal government for providing N3 billion to each of the states of the federation. We in Borno have since received our own share which we have started disbursing to vulnerable groups, and now that we have witnessed another monumental disaster, we have started using the funds judiciously in managing the incident."
Also, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi expressed his sincere gratitude to President Tinubu for the visit, and all the support extended to the traditional institutions and the victims.
Among the entourage of the President include the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Chairman Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara state, Abdurahman Abdulrazak, governors of Kogi, Bauchi, Sokoto states, some ministers and many other dignitaries.
Bauchi deploys emergency team
Similarly, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, during his visit, announced N250 million donation to the victims in addition to the immediate deployment of Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency, BASEMA, officials to cook and serve food to over 10,000 victims in some camps daily pending when the situation improves.
Addressing Governor Zulum at the Government House, Governor Mohammed said, "We are here to commiserate with Your Excellency and the good people of Borno State over the monumental flood disaster. On behalf of the Government and the good people of Bauchi State, we are donating N250 million to cushion the current hardship of the victims. This is in addition to the BASEMA team I sent who are currently feeding over 10,000 displaced victims on a daily basis.
"We pray Allah to grant Aljannatul Firdaus to souls of those who lost their lives, and to forestall future occurrence of such disaster."
Responding Governor Zulum appreciated the Bauchi State Government Delegation for not only finding time to visit Maiduguri, but to also giving the highest donation so far.
IGP Egbetokun
Also, the Inspector General of Police Mr. Kayode Egbetokun led Police Commissioners of Police in the North East states and other officers to commiserate with the victims, the state government and the people of the state over the unfortunate incident.
Speaking, IGP Egbetokun said among others, "We are here in Maiduguri to use one stone and kill two birds, first, is to commiserate with you and the people of Borno over the flood disaster, and secondly to inform you that we are here to assist the Borno State Government in rebuilding process, as four police formations and barracks were submerged.
Governor Zulum appreciated the efforts of the Borno state Police Command under the leadership of CP Umar Yusuf for maintaining law and order, especially synergizing with the military and other stakeholders in the ongoing rescue operations.
The Governors of Kogi and Sokoto, Usman Ododo and Dr. Ahmad Aliyu also visited the Government House to extend their sympathies.
Sultan tasks FG on prone zones
Meanwhile, the Jama'atu Nasril Islam, JNI, under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar IV has urged the Federal Government to publicise flood-prone zones for citizens' safety
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Secretary-General of the JNI, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, in a statement, yesterday, among others, said " Flood management should not only be reactive but proactive and timely, to prevent such large-scale destruction in the future. Equally important is a holistic approach to address the perennial flooding in Nigeria. Why must rainy season be attributed to flooding, year-in, year-out? Is that how it is in other countries of the world? Why can't we learn lessons?
"We also urge local communities to remain vigilant and cautious, especially during the rainy season. The recent events have underscored the importance of awareness and preparedness. Local leaders and citizens should heed weather alerts, report early signs of danger, and collaborate with authorities to ensure timely evacuation when necessary. It is crucial to prioritise safety above all else. On the other hand, recent happenings relating to disasters in Nigeria, require that we sincerely turn to Allah, seeking His mercy and guidance in these trying times."
"JNI, is troubled with the devastating impact of recent flooding that has befallen Nigeria, causing immense loss of lives and property and therefore extends its deepest condolences and heartfelt commiserations to all those affected by the recent floods that have ravaged several states in Nigeria.
