Alau Dam Overflow: Tinubu Promises To Assist Maiduguri Flood Disaster Victims
President Bola Tinubu addressed the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, by ordering the evacuation of affected individuals, reaffirming his commitment to support the state. This response coincided with Vice President Kashim Shettima’s assurance that the government would prioritize the welfare of those impacted by the floods.
Shettima emphasized that the Tinubu administration is prepared to confront the flooding issues in Nigeria, leveraging a comprehensive strategy already in place to tackle such challenges. The federal government, represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris, expressed condolences to the Borno State government and its residents following the flooding caused by the overflow of Alau Dam.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also conveyed his sympathies to the government and citizens of Borno and other affected states, labeling the situation a national disaster. Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, offered his support and solidarity to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and the residents, particularly those impacted by the floods.
Additionally, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, shared his thoughts and prayers for the people of Borno State during this crisis. Former Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume urged the federal government, international community, and development partners to provide assistance to the residents of Borno State in the aftermath of the flood that devastated numerous homes and properties. In a related incident, a severe rainstorm caused significant damage in Yenegoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, leading to flooding in homes and businesses and resulting in property destruction.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has responded to the recent floods by urging governments at all levels within the sub-region to intentionally allocate funds for disaster preparedness. A recent study indicated that approximately 75 percent of West Africa’s population is vulnerable and negatively affected by such calamities. The recent floods in Borno have been characterized as the most severe in decades, resulting in the displacement of thousands of residents and damaging critical infrastructure, including the central post office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. This disaster also necessitated the temporary closure of several institutions and government offices, including the University of Maiduguri.
The university’s administration communicated this closure through a statement issued by its registrar, Ahmad A. Lawan, expressing sympathy for the staff and students impacted by the flooding. President Tinubu, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, conveyed his condolences to the government and citizens of Borno State, particularly to those families who have lost their livelihoods due to the overflow of the Alau Dam.
As authorities continue to evaluate the extent of the flood damage, Tinubu has called for the urgent evacuation of individuals from the affected regions. He assured Governor Zulum that the federal government is prepared to work in partnership with the state to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of those affected. In his directive to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide assistance to flood victims, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to mobilizing federal resources to support the state during this challenging period.
