President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep concern about the flooding in parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, calling for the immediate evacuation of those worst affected by the disaster.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu also ordered the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately deploy its resources to assist victims.
Recall that water from Alau Dam, which collapsed early Tuesday morning, has continued to submerge various wards in the town while thousands of displaced residents are scouting for safer places.
The worst flood in decades has displaced thousands of residents and affected facilities such as the Post office, museum and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.\
The statement reads in part: “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.
“While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the President calls for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas.
“President Tinubu assures Governor Babagana Umara Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.
“He orders the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims. The President remains committed to mobilising federal resources to support the state during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, the Mr Barkindo Mohammed, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has described the situation in flooded Maiduguri town as “terrible”.
Mohammed said that the agency had since commenced rescue operations and distribution of sandbags.
“Just now we went for a rescue and proceeded to distribute sandbags in Gozari.
“As I am talking to you now I am trapped; we came to rescue some people and we are now trapped with my staff,’’ he said.
Also, the Borno Museum Park has raised the alarm over intrusion of deadly animals into residential communities.
The General Manager Borno State Museum Park, Ali Abatcha Don Best who made this known in a statement on Tuesday said the flood disaster caused damage to properties and led to the death of over 80 per cent of animals.
Parts of the statement read: “In this devastating period of flood disaster, the General Manager wishes to also announce that some deadly animals have been washed away into our communities, animals like crocodiles and snakes.
“He called on the attention of the general public to be aware and take all the necessary precautions to avoid these animals”.
Hundreds of people are in the streets with nowhere to go while some could be seen lying or sitting under tree shades with their families.
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