The north eastern state of Borno has been ravaged by several disasters, especially in the recent past. For a state that has been held captive by the activities of Boko Haram insurrectionists and is still struggling to cope with the number of internally displaced persons arising thereof and the debilitating effect of the economy generally, these should be more than enough trouble for any state to bear.
According to Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, the severe impact of the insurgency has led to the loss of over 300,000 lives, the destruction of numerous classrooms, and hundreds of other facilities.
Prof. Zulum has, in spite of the seeming lack of willingness to hunt down these blood-thirsty terrorist’s group during the reign of Muhammadu Buhari, conducted himself in a manner that has received not just national but global acclaim and praise. It is therefore without doubt that but for the personal approach and commitment of Governor Zulum, the fate of Borno by now would have been better imagined.
Despite the state’s difficult security environment, Zulum has also remained committed to providing infrastructure and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
It is not by mere happenstance that Governor Zulum’s conduct in office has not been plagued or blighted by any serious scandal or allegation of diversion and embezzlement of state funds.
The people of Borno would consider themselves lucky to have a governor like Zulum whose transparent conduct in office has helped a great deal to reduce the effect of a debilitating economic downturn in the country. His style of distribution of relief materials or palliatives cannot be equalled. He has continued to win for himself plaudits and applause for the manner he treats the people of his state.
Not known for unguarded or reckless statements, Gov. Zulum remains a shining example of what an ideal leader should be.
His passion for education is such that apart from building world-class classroom blocks, he has been reported to have rewarded teachers for their commitment irrespective of their states of origin, tribe or religious beliefs.
A chat with an aide of his some years ago, revealed how the governor has been supporting the military in the fight against insurgencies and how he has been rewarding the local hunters who have been supporting the military by offering scholarships to their children. For him, the best way to end that circle of ignorance or illiteracy is by adequately educating the children of these hunters.
Unfortunately, Governor Zulum’s effort cannot be matched by his contemporaries from across the north. The implication being that no matter how hard he tries there will always be problems from other states whose governors have been too busy chasing shadows.
While still contending with these challenges, Borno was again hit by another calamity as a devastating flood last week affected over a million people with at least 414,000 people displaced and over 30 killed in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, last Tuesday.
The National Emergency Management Agency said the flood began after the Alau Dam overflowed following heavy rains leading to the town’s worst flooding in 30 years, according to the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council residents.
The water, it was reported, had receded as of Wednesday after 70 per cent of Maiduguri was submerged by the fast-moving waters.
According to NEMA, it ravaged major city locations, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Umar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi; the state secretariat, post office, cemetery, prison and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The flood also washed away 80 percent of animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park zoo, and damaged houses, schools as well as commercial and worship centres.
Already, the federal government has swiftly responded by dispatching Vice President Kashim Shettima to Borno capital immediately to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the devastating floods.
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concerns over the flooding and tasked relevant government agencies to expedite rescue efforts.
Well-meaning Nigerians like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Atiku Abubakar, some state governors etc have also reached out to the state with relief materials and financial support. This is the very essence of our humanity.
According to Governor Zulum, “The floods covered one-third of the city, affecting over one million people. It is very devastating.” Zulum said this while distributing cash and food to thousands of displaced persons at a camp.
This is certainly a trying period for the state and whatever can be done to support the governor should be done. Borno has been ravaged by too many devastations and the state cannot bear the weight of this natural disaster alone.
Meanwhile, some farmers have already lamented the loss of over a billion naira to the flood. Some tomato farmers last week said the flood washed away their farms with all their investments gone.
When one realises that one of the greatest challenges to food security in the country today is as a result of the activities of insurgents and bandits that have held the north east, north west and north central captive then the import of this natural disaster to food supply makes it imperative that the loss of these unfortunate farmers must be mitigated.
For sometime now, the cost of tomatoes has gone so high and out of the reach of several families. With this loss, the cost of tomatoes which was just beginning to reduce in our markets might again spike.
Meanwhile, Nigeria Correctional Service Borno Command is also lamenting the escape of some of its inmates who bolted after the walls of its correctional facility was pulled down by the raging flood.
The floodwaters ravaged the facility’s security, damaged barriers and weakened its structure, leading to the escape of the inmates.
Some of these inmates, according to the state government included some Boko Haram insurgents who were held at the facility.
Coming at a time when the state is just beginning to enjoy some reprieve from the hands of these terrorists, all hands must be on deck to hunt these escaping felons.
It is not impossible that these jailbreaks may yet constitute another threat to the state and country.
Similarly, the president’s recent charge on the military to end activities of these law breakers across the country and the recent gains of the military should give one hope that the military under President Tinubu would restore sanity to the land.
Our farmers must return to their homestead and resume their normal lives once again.
For Governor Zulum and Borno, this is one tragedy too many. Our hearts go out to all those whose lives, homes and source of livelihoods have been impacted
For too long we have toyed with matters concerning the security of this country. Peace must return to the northern parts of this country once again.
•Written By Charles Okoh
