VP Shettima Visits Borno Flood Victims, Announces 50 Trucks of Rice as Relief Efforts Begin
Vice President Kashim Shettima visited flood victims in Maiduguri and Jere, announcing that 50 trucks of rice are en route to Borno State for distribution. During his visit to the Shehu of Borno’s palace, Shettima conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to support Borno in addressing the flood’s devastating impact.
He acknowledged the scale of the disaster, stating, “This tragedy is beyond Borno State’s capacity to handle alone. Rest assured, President Tinubu is determined to assist the governor in meeting the people’s needs.” Shettima also emphasized the government’s broader efforts to tackle flooding across the nation, from Bayelsa to Sokoto, and assured Nigerians that President Tinubu is fully engaged in addressing these challenges.
In response, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi, described the flood as worse than a similar disaster in 1994. He urged the government to seek expert advice to prevent future occurrences. The Shehu expressed gratitude to the vice president for his visit but highlighted the devastating timing, as many residents were on the verge of harvesting their crops.
The flood, caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam, has forced residents to evacuate. Borno’s Commissioner for Information, Professor Usman Tar, issued a flooding alert, urging riverbank residents to take immediate precautions. Civil society organizations (CSOs) described the situation as “pathetic,” raising concerns about both public health risks and escaped animals from the local zoo.
In response to the crisis, President Tinubu has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate aid to affected areas, with the federal government ready to collaborate with Borno authorities. The president extended his condolences to those who lost their livelihoods and assured Governor Zulum of continued support during this difficult time.
Other national figures, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajuddeen, Senate Deputy President Barau Jibrin, and former leaders Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar, have expressed their condolences and called for urgent relief efforts. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Northern States Governors’ Forum also voiced solidarity with the victims, urging federal and humanitarian agencies to scale up their interventions.
With the floodwaters still rising and more areas at risk, experts are calling for comprehensive emergency response plans to address the unfolding disaster.
