President Bola Tinubu has expressed grave concern over the recent flooding that has devastated communities in Borno State. He has directed government agencies to expedite rescue efforts and called for the immediate evacuation of residents from flood-ravaged areas.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Maiduguri to assess the situation firsthand. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum reported that over one-third of Maiduguri is submerged, affecting nearly one million people. Zulum, while distributing relief materials, confirmed that the federal government has allocated N3 billion for flood recovery efforts. This funding will be used to provide food, essential supplies, and implement long-term strategies such as health monitoring to prevent disease outbreaks.
Additionally, cash distributions of N10,000 per household have been made to flood victims. The state government is also conducting search and rescue operations to assess casualties and gather data on those affected.
Amidst the flood crisis, some inmates escaped from the Maiduguri correctional facility after the prison’s perimeter was compromised. Efforts to recapture the escapees are ongoing, with three inmates recaptured thus far.
Tinubu’s administration has approved N3 billion for each state to combat similar natural disasters, ensuring a proactive approach to disaster management nationwide.