President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has lamented the flood disaster that occurred in Borno and Bauchi states o, and sympathised with families of those who lost the
This is just as the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) called on the federal government to take proactive measures to prevent such disaster from happening in any of the coastal areas like Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Edo states.
Akpabio, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh in Abuja Wednesday, expressed deepest sympathies to the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima , Government of Borno and Bauchi states, National Assembly members, and traditional rulers whose districts and domains were affected on behalf of himself and the entire Senate
“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones, properties, and livelihoods due to this unprecedented natural disaster. We pray for the souls of the departed and offer our support to those struggling to cope with the aftermath.
“We commend the efforts of the Federal Government, Borno and Bauchi state Governments, the emergency actors and humanitarian organizations working tirelessly to provide relief and assistance to the affected communities”, he said .
Akpabio also added that “the Senate stands ready to support the Borno and Bauchi State Governments and the Federal Government in providing necessary assistance to alleviate the suffering of the affected people.”
It will be recalled that many residents have been sacked from their residences due to the catastrophic impact of the flood, affecting various areas of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
The flooding, which commenced a week ago, reached its most critical point during the early hours of Tuesday, rendering thousands of people homeless.
In Bauchi State alone, government confirmed a total death toll of 24, with many homes destroyed, and over 300 farmlands swept away.
…PANDEF raises the alarm
Raising the alarm against such disasters in the coastal areas, PANDEF, in a statement issued Wednesday by its National Secretary, Dr. Alfred Mulade, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the concerned federal government’s Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to take immediate and decisive actions against impending flooding coming from Rivers Niger and Benue and the spate of sea water rise from the Atlantic Ocean.
The predicted disaster, according to PANDEF, “poses an existential threat to the lives, properties, and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians living in the vulnerable areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Edo states.
“We therefore appeal to Mr. President to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the double-ended flooding, including :reinforcing and upgrading flood defenses and embankments, evacuation of people living in high-risk areas, rapid deployment of emergency relief materials and aid etc.”
… APC on humanitarian challenges
In a related development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) also commiserated with the government and people of Borno state, especially those who have been displaced or have lost their means of livelihood as a result of the flooding caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam.
The ruling party, however, asked both state and federal government agencies to scale up efforts in tackling humanitarian challenges in the affected areas.
In a statement released Wednesday in Abuja by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party expressed sadness over the pain and suffering as a result of the natural disaster.
The statement said: “We are deeply saddened by the pain and suffering that this unprecedented flooding has brought upon our people in Maiduguri and its environs, with the destruction of homes, farmlands, businesses, public buildings, and even the palace of the Shehu of Borno.
“As directed by President Bola Tinubu, the Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has visited Maiduguri to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the tragic incident and has further directed federal government emergency services to support the State government to immediately evacuate affected residents to safety, and provide all necessary assistance to them.
“We urge all agencies of Borno state and Fedeĺral government to spare no effort in tackling all humanitarian challenges occasioned by this disaster.
“We pray God to comfort and grant full restoration to the victims of this incident.”