Borno Governor Zulum Flags Off Relief Distribution to Maiduguri Flood Victims

By Achadu Gabriel

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched the distribution of relief materials to victims of the devastating Maiduguri flooding, which has displaced nearly 2 million people within the metropolis and its environs.

The flood disaster was caused by overflowing water from Alau Dam, forcing victims to take refuge in 36 camps.

At the flag-off ceremony held on Monday at Bakasi camp along Damboa Road in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum announced that each affected household would receive:

– A 25kg bag of rice
– A carton of pasta
– N10,000 cash

The Governor expressed concerns that many unaffected individuals are flocking to the IDP camps, hindering smooth operations.

We observed that it’s no longer sustainable to continue receiving people in the camps because many unaffected individuals are trooping in

“We observed that it’s no longer sustainable to continue receiving people in the camps because many unaffected individuals are trooping in,” Zulum said.

In addition to distributing relief materials, the Governor plans to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the affected areas to inform future interventions.

“We have concluded arrangements to assess the affected communities and verify the actual number of those affected,” Zulum added.

Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, representing Borno Central, commended the Governor’s leadership throughout the crisis.

“Let me commend the Governor for providing leadership since the flooding started. He was out with his team carrying out search and rescue operations and assisting his people,” Senator Lawan said.

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Director General, Zubaida Umar, highlighted her agency’s interventions, including providing shelters and mobile water purifiers to ensure clean drinking water for those affected.

Governor Zulum acknowledged donations from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, NEMA, and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to support the flood victims.

The occasion was attended by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North), members of the House of Representatives, and the Borno State Executive Council.