Maiduguri flooding: Tinubu visits IDP camps, hints at creation of disaster relief fund
President Bola Tinubu has assured victims of the devastating flood in Maiduguri, Borno State, of government support.
He made this promise during a visit to the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri on Monday.
The President’s visit to Maiduguri was a departure from his initial plan to travel to America from the UK.
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved N108 billion to combat flooding and erosion in Nigeria’s 36 states.
Each state is set to receive N3 billion from the fund, which could serve as a lifeline for many communities at the mercy of natural disasters.
“I associate myself with you, continue to pray for you, and I want to assure you that we are going to support you. We will support you,” Tinubu said.
He chose to visit the IDP camp and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba, to personally express his condolences and commit to supporting the rehabilitation efforts in the state.
Meanwhile, Senator Ali Ndume has called on the federal government to take urgent action to dredge communities in Borno State affected by recent flooding.
Ndume has called on the federal government to take immediate action to dredge communities in Borno State affected by recent flooding.
Ndume, who represents Borno South senatorial district, highlighted that many residents are still stranded in their communities despite the extensive damage caused by the flooding.
He stressed that immediate dredging is crucial for effective rescue operations and to alleviate the suffering of those still trapped.
The senator also donated N50 million to victims of the flood, following a resolution by leaders from the Borno South senatorial zone to raise funds for the victims.
He emphasised the need for collective action to address the plight of the victims, saying, “We really need to help make sure that people do not continue to suffer.”
Ndume’s call for urgent action comes after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a ¦ 3 billion intervention fund to mitigate the effects of the flooding.
However, Ndume stressed that more needs to be done to address the situation, saying, “The federal government needs to come and do the survey and get dredging equipment and get to the discharge of the Alau Dam and try to excavate the water way out so that the water can flow and go otherwise the aftermath will be more disastrous.”
He also expressed concern about the condition of buildings submerged in water, saying, “Most buildings that were submerged are not strong, and if they continue to stay in water, they will collapse.”
Ndume urged the federal government to intensify action to address the plight of the victims, saying, “I am using this opportunity to move a motion since we are in recess for the federal government to intensify action against the plight of the victims of the insurgency.”
