Borno: VP Shettima, Gov Zulum visit flood victims

Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, visited Maiduguri to extend sympathies to the millions displaced by the catastrophic flood that swept through the city on Tuesday.

Governor Babagana Zulum, who was on an official trip abroad, promptly returned to Maiduguri to assess the damage and visit affected communities. Among his stops were the camps housing displaced residents and the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, which was also inundated by floodwaters.

The flood led to the relocation of hundreds of inmates from the Old Maiduguri Prison to the New Maximum Prison near the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army’s Maimalari Cantonment for their safety, as the old facility was submerged. Unconfirmed reports suggested a jailbreak occurred during the flooding, but security forces swiftly intervened to relocate the remaining prisoners.

While addressing displaced persons at the Bakassi IDP camp, Vice President Shettima urged them to see the disaster as an act of God. He assured them that the government would provide relief and support, directing the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission (NEDC), and the National Commission for Refugees to collaborate with the Borno State Government to deliver immediate aid.

“I am here under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to offer our deepest sympathies,” Shettima said. “Despite your hardships, your resilience is commendable. The government will not forsake you, and I have instructed all relevant agencies to provide relief materials to ease your suffering.”

Shettima, accompanied by Governor Zulum and other dignitaries, visited the Shehu of Borno’s flood-damaged palace, expressing the Federal Government’s heartfelt sympathy to the Emirate Council. The Vice President announced that the government had dispatched 50 trucks of rice to Maiduguri for distribution to those affected by the disaster.

The Shehu of Borno expressed his gratitude for the timely visit and the government’s support, thanking President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and Governor Zulum for their concern.

Governor Zulum, who toured several affected areas including Gomari Airport Primary and Secondary School and the Bakassi camp, reassured the victims that the government would provide comprehensive support and help them return to their homes as conditions improve.

Due to the severe flooding, Vice President Shettima was unable to access his Maiduguri residence and has since returned to Abuja.

The Vice President’s entourage included NEMA Director General Hajiya Zubaida Umar, NEDC Chairman Goni Alkali, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, Senators Kaka Shehu Lawan and Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and House of Representatives members Kadiri Rahis and Ahmed Satomi.