First Lady consoles Borno over flood incident

Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday condoled with the Borno State Government over the devastating floods that have killed over 100 persons and driven thousands more out of their homes.

In a statement she signed on Thursday, Mrs Tinubu prayed that the state would rise above the tragedy and emerge stronger and more resilient.

She said, “I commiserate with the Governor of Borno State, HE Prof. Babagana Zulum, his wife and the entire people of the State as they face the devastating impacts of the recent flooding.

“My heart and prayers are with you during this challenging time. The tragic loss of lives, homes and livelihoods is an immense burden that no community should have to bear.

“I pray that Borno State would rise above this tragedy and emerge stronger and more resilient.

“May Almighty Allah grant the departed souls Aljanah Firdaus and may you find the strength and hope to overcome these trying times.”

The National Emergency Management Agency said the flood began after the Alau Dam overflowed following heavy rains leading to the town’s worst flooding in 30 years, according to the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council residents.

According to NEMA, more than 23,000 households have been hit by the rapid rise of waters following the weekend rupture of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River, 20km south of Maiduguri.

Reports also indicate the water had receded as of Wednesday after 70 per cent of Maiduguri was submerged by the fast-moving waters, according to NEMA, which ravaged major city locations, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Umar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi; the state secretariat, post office, cemetery, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The flood also washed away 80 per cent of the animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo and damaged houses, schools, as well as commercial and worship centres.

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concerns over the flooding and tasked relevant government agencies to expedite rescue efforts. Tinubu also called for the immediate evacuation of residents in communities overtaken by floods. This was as Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in the Borno capital on Tuesday to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the devastating floods.