President Bola Tinubu has expressed concern over the devastating floods that have wreaked havoc on communities and farmlands across Nigeria, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread displacement.
Tinubu conveyed sympathies to bereaved families, farmers, and displaced communities who have lost property and livelihoods on Wednesday.
“The President prays for the repose of the souls of the deceased,” Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s spokesman, said in a statement.
The president said there was urgent need for concerted efforts to address pressing environmental concerns and build a more climate-resilient society.
He assured Nigerians that his administration, through relevant agencies, would continue to provide necessary support for flood victims and issue timely warnings to mitigate the impact of environmental mishaps.
Recent reports from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) revealed that at least 53 people have lost their lives in the northeastern states alone, with Bauchi (23), Taraba (11), Yobe (10), Adamawa (7), and Borno (2) being the most affected.
Nationwide, the death toll has reached a staggering 170. The floods have affected 515,794 people and damaged 76,667 houses across 28 states, according to NEMA’s latest data.
NEMA spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel reported that 41,344 people have been displaced in Jigawa, Adamawa, and Taraba states.
The floods have also destroyed over 693 hectares of farmlands in the region, posing a significant threat to food security.
In response to the crisis, the Federal Government announced a support package of N3bn to assist flood-affected states.
Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, disclosed this during a visit to flood-hit areas in Kebbi State at the weekend.