President Bola Tinubu has raised urgent concerns over the severe flooding in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, which has resulted in widespread devastation, displacing thousands of residents and damaging key infrastructure. The flood, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, is being described as the worst the region has faced in decades, with many families losing their homes and means of livelihood.
In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his deep sympathy for the affected residents and the Borno State government. He extended his heartfelt condolences, particularly to those families whose lives have been upended by the natural disaster. He acknowledged the significant loss of property and disruption of services in areas such as the Maiduguri Post Office and the Teaching Hospital, which have been heavily impacted by the floodwaters.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, President Tinubu ordered the immediate evacuation of residents from the most heavily affected areas to prevent further casualties and damage. He emphasized the importance of acting swiftly to save lives, stressing that the situation requires coordinated efforts between federal and state authorities.
The President assured Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum that the Federal Government is fully committed to providing necessary support and resources to address the ongoing crisis. Tinubu directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to take immediate action by providing humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and temporary shelters for the displaced. He emphasized that the federal government is prepared to work closely with the Borno State government to mitigate the impact of the flood and assist the residents in recovering from this disaster.
“NEMA has been instructed to be on the ground, to provide immediate relief and assistance to all the victims of this catastrophic flood,” the statement said. “The Federal Government will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that the residents of Maiduguri and Borno State as a whole receive the necessary aid and support they need during this difficult time.”
President Tinubu also called on Nigerians to unite and offer support to their fellow citizens affected by the disaster. He acknowledged the resilience of the people of Maiduguri and Borno State, who have faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the long-standing threat of insurgency from Boko Haram. The President expressed confidence that the people of Maiduguri will overcome this latest setback with the collective support of the nation.
“We are all in this together. What affects one part of our country affects us all. I urge all Nigerians to stand with the people of Maiduguri during this difficult time, as we have always done in times of adversity,” Tinubu said.
The overflow of the Alau Dam, a key source of water for Maiduguri, has wreaked havoc across the city. In addition to displacing thousands of residents, the flooding has caused significant damage to roads, bridges, and buildings. Critical public services, such as the Maiduguri Post Office, have been inundated, while the Teaching Hospital has reported severe disruptions in its operations due to the floodwaters. Access to certain areas of the city has been cut off, making rescue and relief efforts more challenging.
Local authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage, but early reports suggest that this flood could be the most destructive in Maiduguri’s recent history. The damage to infrastructure is expected to take months to repair, and many residents have been left without access to clean water, electricity, or basic sanitation.
In addition to addressing the immediate needs of the flood victims, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s long-term commitment to rebuilding and fortifying the city’s infrastructure to better withstand future environmental challenges. He highlighted the importance of improving the country’s disaster preparedness and response systems to reduce the impact of such natural disasters in the future.
“This disaster has shown the need for us to strengthen our infrastructure and invest in flood prevention measures to protect our communities,” Tinubu noted. “My administration will prioritize these efforts to ensure that we are better prepared for future environmental challenges.
As Maiduguri grapples with this devastating flood, the swift actions taken by President Tinubu and the Federal Government underscore the seriousness of the crisis. With NEMA mobilizing resources on the ground and the immediate evacuation of affected residents underway, the priority remains the safety and well-being of the people.
The President’s reassurances of federal support bring a sense of hope to those affected, as Maiduguri looks towards recovery and rebuilding. In the days and weeks ahead, coordinated efforts between the federal and state governments, as well as the resilience of the local communities, will be crucial in helping the region recover from what is being described as one of the worst natural disasters it has faced in recent times.
