•Tinubu orders evacuation of affected communes, pledges FG’s support
•Floods most catastrophic in 3 decades -Shettima
•Buhari, Kwankwanso seeks FG intervention
•FG moves to evacuate inmates from flooded Maiduguri prison
Maiduguri—Following the devastating flooding that is ravaging parts of Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State, since Monday night, Vanguard observed that crocodiles, snakes, and other dangerous animals have taken over the affected areas, especially Post Office and Monday Market general area, which is located near the Shehu Kyarimi Park (Zoo).
It was also gathered that, apart from the Shehu’s palace, some parts of University of Maiduguri and its Teaching Hospital, Gwange, Moromoro, State Lowcost, 500 Abbagana housing estate, popular Monday Market, Lagos Streets, NUJ Centre, Government House are also submerged, leaving millions of people displaced with property worth billions of naira destroyed.
At press time, thousands of people were sighted evacuating few of their belongings to a safer areas such as Bulumkutu, Gomari Airport, Tashan Baga among others, as victims cry for government to come to their aide.
This came as President Bola Tinubu called for the immediate evacuation of residents of parts of Maiduguri overtaken by floods, pledging Federal Government support.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was on an on-the-spot assessment of the ravaging floods, in Maiduguri, said despite preparations, the severity of the floods in Maiduguri was most catastrophic in over three decades in the state capital.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, while described the recent flood that caused havoc in Borno and other parts of the country as a national calamity.
Also, former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the devastating floods that have ravaged Maiduguri.
Vanguard gathered that many lives were lost in the ongoing flooding.
Unfortunately, the incident is taking place when Governor Babagana Zulum of the state was out of the country, while his Deputy, Umar Kadafur is also out on his annual leave.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Borno Command, Kenneth Daso, have since alerted the general public to be vigilante as the police and other relevant stakeholders were doing everything possible to safeguard lives and property in this trying moment.
Tinubu orders evacuation of affected communes, pledges FG’s support
Tinubu, who expressed concern over the flooding in parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, directed the relevant government agencies to expedite rescue efforts.
“While the relevant authorities are still assessing the damage caused by the flood, the President calls for the immediate evacuation of people from the affected areas,” read a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga said, “President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.
“President Tinubu assures Governor Babagana Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.
“He has ordered the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims.”
Floods most catastrophic in 3 decades -Shettima
Vice President Shettima said the impacts of the floods exceeded estimation, but assured that the Federal Government would prioritise the welfare of the affected communities.
He said: “The flood’s unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond our previous experiences.
“The disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, not just globally, but particularly to North East regions.
“Nigeria’s vulnerability to flood disasters has been highlighted time and again, as witnessed during the devastating floods of 2012, 2018, and 2022.
“The factors contributing to these recurring disasters are diverse, and it is for this reason that Tinubu has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges headlong.
“Nonetheless, the Federal Government remains determined in its commitment,” he said.
Shettima said, as with other states facing similar crises, the government was resolute in mobilising all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected persons.
Shettima, who commiserated with victims of the flood disaster, expressed the deepest sympathies of Tinubu to the victims.
Borno flood, national calamity —Buhari
A statement by Mallam Garba Shehu in Abuja, yesterday, said: “Former President Buhari sends commiserations to the government and people of Borno and the other states, following severe floods caused by incessant downpour, describing it as a national calamity.
“The former president said he had heard of the widespread devastation of homes, farmland, and the loss of life in Borno and several other states of the federation, and expressed his hope that the relief measures by the various governments would provide comfort and help people who had lost their family members and livelihood to resume their normal lives.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this natural disaster.”
Kwankwanso seeks FG intervention as floods ravage Maiduguri
Kwankwaso in a statement posted on the X platform, yesterday, said: “I have seen horrifying images from Maiduguri, where many parts of the city are submerged by water. I appeal to the authorities and those who can help to render all necessary assistance to safeguard the people and their communities.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the government and people of Borno State at this difficult time.”
FG moves to evacuate inmates from flooded Maiduguri prison
Meanwhile, the Federal Government said it had taken steps to ensure a “secure transfer” of inmates from the flooded Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Spokesman of the Nigerian Prisons, Abubakar Umarin a statement, yesterday, said: “The Nigerian Prison is working tirelessly to address the devastating impact of the recent flooding on our facilities in Maiduguri, particularly the Medium Security Custodial Centre.
“The unfortunate incident is a natural disaster caused by the overflow and collapse of the Alau Dam in Konduga Local Government Area of the state.
“As the agency responsible for the safekeeping of inmates, we want to assure the public that we are taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety. Evacuate inmates to a safer facility, ensure smooth operations, collaborate with sister security and relevant agencies in providing support and assistance to those affected.
“Contrary to initial reports, the officers and men of the command are working around the clock to ensure a smooth and secure transfer process.
“We appreciate the support and guidance from the Presidency and the Vice President’s visit to Maiduguri to assess the situation.
“We will continue to provide updates, and will like to assure the public that the prison is committed to maintaining order and ensuring public safety during this challenging time.”
