Despite Neglecting Dams, FG Donates ₦3 Billion, 50 Trucks of Rice to Maiduguri Flood Victims

Vice-President Kashim Shettima visited Maiduguri on Tuesday to sympathise with the people of Borno State following the devastating flood that has displaced over one million residents.

The flood, caused by the collapse of Maiduguri’s 40-year-old Alau Dam, a dam constructed to shield Maiduguri from seasonal flooding along the Ngadda river basin, submerged homes, roads, and bridges, leaving thousands in dire need of assistance.

On record, the dam had in the past suffered structural damage due to high seasonal rainfall in 1992, 1994 and 2012, but has been neglected by successive governments to put it back into ideal operational shape.

Shettima led a federal government delegation to the city, where Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum received him.

The governor took the vice-president to the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, whose residence was also affected by the flood.

Following the palace visit, the vice-president proceeded to Bakassi IDP Camp, where thousands of displaced persons have taken refuge.

Addressing the flood victims, Shettima promised federal government support through 50 trucks of rice to ease their hardship.

He also assured them that the government, in collaboration with the North-East Development Commission and other agencies, would work swiftly to ensure they did not remain in the camp for more than two weeks.

Zulum, during a visit to the Bakassi IDP Camp on Wednesday, confirmed that over one million people had been displaced by the disaster.

He assured the displaced residents that the state government had contracted vendors to provide food and other necessities, and cash donations were being distributed to affected persons.

The governor also revealed that the federal government had provided ₦3 billion as flood intervention funds to address the immediate challenges posed by the flood.

He promised that part of these funds would support ongoing search and rescue efforts and collect data on the number of displaced persons and lives lost.

Zulum also outlined long-term measures, including the reconstruction of the Alau Dam to accommodate a larger water volume.

The governor also said structures built in water-prone areas would be demolished to allow for the free flow of water. He also noted that search and rescue operations are ongoing to assess the full impact of the disaster.

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