In response to the recent flood disaster in Borno, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has donated N50 million to aid the victims. The former Senate leader, in a statement released in Abuja, also suggested that leaders and stakeholders from his senatorial district collaborate to raise additional funds for those affected.
Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, whose homes were submerged due to the Alau Dam collapse, are now sheltered in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and makeshift centers set up by the Borno State Government.
Senator Ndume urged the federal government to recognize the flood disaster as a national issue and establish emergency feeding centers for the victims. He also called on corporate Nigeria to contribute assistance.
To prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis caused by the high displacement of citizens, Ndume recommended that the federal government work closely with the state government to provide adequate food by opening larger feeding centers and enlisting volunteers.
Acknowledging that the scale of the destruction exceeds the capacity of the state government alone, Senator Ndume appealed to wealthy Nigerians, NGOs, and philanthropists to support efforts to address the socio-economic impact of the flood in Maiduguri and surrounding areas. He also urged the federal government to set up temporary medical centers to meet the health needs of the displaced.
“This disaster is not just a Borno issue but a national calamity,” Ndume stated. “The scale of devastation is unprecedented, and it will take considerable time to restore normalcy. Many homes are severely damaged and may not withstand further exposure to water.”
He further emphasized the need for immediate federal intervention, including surveying the area, using dredging equipment to manage water discharge from the Alau Dam, and ensuring that water flow is controlled to prevent further disaster.
Ndume highlighted that many submerged buildings are at risk of collapsing if the situation is not addressed promptly. He also noted the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian military and other security agencies in rescuing people stranded in affected areas.
In closing, Senator Ndume called for increased federal action to address the plight of flood victims and suggested that a motion be raised to intensify support for those affected by the disaster.
