Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betara on Thursday donated the sum of N100 million to support the victims of Maiduguri flood.
Hon. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State made the donation to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State during an on-the-spot assessment of the flood disaster in Maiduguri.
While expressing grief over the death and displacement of thousands of Maiduguri residents, Hon. Betara applauded the prompt intervention of Governor Zulum towards cushioning the effects of the flood disaster.
Hon. Betara who expressed solidarity with the victims of Maiduguri flood, assured that necessary intervention will be provided through relevant institutions with a view to ensure their rehabilitation.
He said: “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 Aljana-Filta.
“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.
“We are so proud of you and wish to pledge our unfettered support in all ramifications in the bid to alleviate the suffering of our dear Citizens who elected us into various Offices.
“To this end, 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.
“I will also ensure that this flood disaster which remains a major humanitarian crisis is brought to the floor as a matter of Urgent Public Importance when the House resume from the annual recess in the coming weeks,” Hon. Betara assured.
According to report issued by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), no fewer than 37 deaths have so far been recorded during the Maiduguri flood disaster which started last week Friday.
Breakdown of the mortality showed that no fewer than seven deaths were recorded as of last week Saturday in Maiduguri flood disaster, while an additional 30 deaths were recorded as of Thursday, 12th September 2024.
Speaking on the current trend of flooding across the country, NEMA’s Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar indicated that 29 States and 172 LGAs have been impacted by flooding, affecting 1,048,312 people, displaced 625,239 and have led to the death of 259 lives.
“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 NIHSA which informed that in the months of 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.”
