Tinubu Visits Maiduguri: Pledges federal support for flood victims and calls for action against future disasters

President Bola Tinubu at the Shehu of Borno’s palace in Maiduguri during the visit 

President Bola Tinubu visited Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on September 16, 2024, to express solidarity with flood victims following a devastating disaster that displaced over a million residents and resulted in significant casualties. 

Arriving at 3:40 PM, he first visited an emergency camp to meet with those affected.

During his visit, President Tinubu assured the victims of federal government support and announced the establishment of a disaster relief fund. 

He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to tackle climate change and environmental challenges contributing to such disasters. The President also called for immediate action to prevent future occurrences, including the reconstruction of critical infrastructure like the Alau Dam, which failed and exacerbated the flooding.

Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno urged for thorough investigations into the flood's causes and expressed gratitude for the federal government's ongoing support. 

Tinubu's visit was marked by a commitment to assist Borno State in its recovery efforts and a call for unity among Nigerians in addressing national issues. 

“I want to assure you that we are going to support you, we will support you. God Bless you,” Tinubu said.

In the entourage of the President are the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, and other aides of the President.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun was at the Maiduguri Air Force Base to receive the President having been in Maiduguri earlier on the day to inspect police facilities affected by the flood.

Also, chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, the chairman Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu were at the Air Force Base to receive the President.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods in the catastrophe.

“I stand with the resilient people of Borno and assure you of the continuous support of the Federal Government in providing support and relief as we work together to rebuild lives and restore hope,” President Bola Tinubu wrote in the condolence register at the Shehu of Borno’s palace in Maiduguri on Monday.

Tinubu had just returned to the country the night before after his official visit to China and his short stay in the United Kingdom.

Lives lost

Officials had on Wednesday said the severe flooding in the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri claimed at least 30 lives and forced 400,000 people from their homes.

Aerial view of houses submerged under water in Maiduguri on September 10, 2024.

“The death toll is 30,” National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) spokesman Ezekiel Manzo told AFP a day after water from an overflowing dam swept away thousands of homes in the capital city of Borno state.

“The situation in Maiduguri is quite frightening,” said Zubaida Umar, NEMA DG.

“The flood has taken over around 40 percent of the entire city. People have been forced out of their homes and are scattered everywhere.

“From our statistics, we have 414,000 displaced people,” Umar said. She told the BBC’s Hausa language service that officials feared that number could reach one million.

The UN refugee agency in Nigeria said on X Tuesday the flooding was the worst to hit the city in 30 years.

‘Exact number of casualties unknown’

Meanwhile, in a chat with Channels Television on Saturday, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, said the total number of lives lost in the flood disaster in Maiduguri is unknown, as efforts to ensure areas not yet accessible are reached as soon as possible.

Governor Zulum also reassured the affected victims that the government will come to their aide.

The governor said neglect of the dam over the years has been a major challenge and that efforts will be made to remedy the situation.

“We have to quantify the loss of lives that has happened as a result of this flooding because up till now we have some areas that we can’t have access, but rescue mission is ongoing.

“Quite a number of persons were rescued, so this is the situation that we are in. We had similar disaster 30 years ago although the extent is not up to this one, but I believe the dam requires reconstruction,” Zulum said.
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