Former President Muhammadu Buhari has described the flood that is devastating Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State as a national disaster.
This is even as President Bola Tinubu expressed shock at the high level of damage caused by the rising flood.
In a statement today, September 10, Malam Garba Shehu, quoted the former President in whose government he was a spokesperson as lamenting the widespread devastation of homes, farmland and the loss of life in Borno and several other
states of the federation.
He hoped that the relief measures by the various governments would provide comfort and help people who had lost their family members and livelihood to resume their normal lives.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this natural disaster,” said the former president.
Bayo Onanuga, also in a statement, quoted President Tinubu to whom he is special adviser on information and strategy as expressing deep concern about the flooding in parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
Tinubu described the flood as the worst in recent decades, noting that it had displaced thousands of residents and affected facilities such as the Post office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The President extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the State, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.
He said that relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, even as he called for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas.
He assured Governor Babagana Umara Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.
He ordered the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims.
The President said that he is committed to mobilising federal resources to support the state during this difficult time.
