The representative for Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency in Borno State, Muktar Betara, has pledged N100 million to assist those affected by the recent devastating floods in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
According to The PUNCH, This donation comes in the wake of the disaster, which resulted from the collapse of the Alau Dam.
The tragic floods have claimed the lives of 37 individuals and displaced over 400,000 people. The disaster’s impact has been severe, with many residents losing their homes and livelihoods.
Betara, a member of the All Progressives Congress and Chair of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, made the donation to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum during an on-the-ground assessment of the devastation in Maiduguri on Thursday.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss and displacement caused by the floods and praised Governor Zulum’s swift response to mitigate the crisis.
In his statement, Betara said, “I wish to, on behalf of myself, my family and the good people of Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency donate the sum of N100 million to support the affected people of Maiduguri.
“Your Excellency, I on behalf of the good people of Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency wish to commiserate with you and the entire state government and all our people who are directly and indirectly affected by this unfortunate flood incident, which led to the untimely death of our dear beloved brothers and sisters.
“As evident, thousands of our people were rendered homeless and their livelihoods washed away. May Almighty Allah condole you and all of us and grant the departed souls of our loved ones aljanah-firdaus.
“I wish to also commend Your Excellency and your cabinet for rallying support for our people who were affected by this unfortunate incident as well as the previous interventions you have initiated to bring succour to the affected people across the state.”
Betara also assured that he would highlight the severity of the flood disaster to the National Assembly when it reconvenes after its annual recess. He emphasized the importance of addressing this humanitarian crisis urgently.
In response to the increasing frequency of flooding across Nigeria, NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, reported that 29 states and 172 local government areas have been impacted by floods in 2024.
These incidents have affected over a million people, displacing approximately 625,000 and causing 259 fatalities.
She noted that the flooding aligns with predictions from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency’s annual flood outlook, which identified several high-risk areas and times of heightened flood risk for the remainder of the year.
“This unfortunate and almost unexpected incident requires coordinated response, hence the call for this emergency meeting.
“This occurrence is not in total deviation from the predictions as contained in this year’s annual flood outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency which informed that in July to September 2024, 33 States and 135 LGAs are within flood high-risk areas, while the period between October and November has 19 States and 44 LGAs,” she said.
