The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betara, on Thursday, donated N100 million to support the victims of the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Hon. Betara, who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, made the donation during an on-the-spot assessment of the flood-affected areas alongside Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State.
While expressing deep grief over the loss of lives and the displacement of thousands of residents, Hon. Betara commended Governor Zulum for his prompt intervention in mitigating the disaster’s impact. He assured that necessary interventions would be brought forward through relevant institutions to ensure the rehabilitation of the affected residents.
In his remarks, Hon. Betara said:
“Your Excellency, on behalf of the good people of Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency, I wish to commiserate with you, the State Government, and all our people who have been affected by this unfortunate flood incident, which has led to the untimely death of our dear brothers and sisters.
“As evident, thousands of our people have been rendered homeless, and their livelihoods washed away. May Almighty Allah console you and all of us and grant the departed souls Aljanat Firdaus.
“I also wish to commend your Excellency and your cabinet for rallying support for the affected people and for the previous interventions you initiated to bring relief across the state.”
The lawmaker further pledged unfettered support towards efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of the victims, stating:
“To this end, on behalf of myself, my family, and the good people of Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency, I donate the sum of N100 million to support the affected people of Maiduguri.
“I will also ensure that this flood disaster, which remains a major humanitarian crisis, is brought before the House as a matter of urgent public importance when it resumes from the annual recess in the coming weeks,” Hon. Betara added.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Maiduguri flood, which began last week, has claimed at least 37 lives. The initial reports recorded seven deaths, but by Thursday, September 12, 2024, the death toll had risen to 30.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, also revealed the national scale of the flooding, which has impacted 29 states and 172 local government areas. A total of 1,048,312 people have been affected, 625,239 displaced, and 259 lives lost.
“This unfortunate and almost unexpected incident requires a coordinated response, hence the call for this emergency meeting,” Mrs. Umar said, noting that the flood crisis aligns with predictions in this year’s Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
She highlighted that 33 states and 135 local government areas were identified as flood high-risk zones between July and September 2024, while another 19 states and 44 local government areas remain at risk between October and November.
The situation has created a dire need for immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term flood management strategies to prevent future disasters across the country. (Leadership Newspaper)
