Muktar Betara, the representative for the Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has given N100 million to benefit those affected by the recent flood that devastated Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
Numerous accounts state that the Alau Dam collapsed due to intense rainfall, resulting in the displacement of approximately 400,000 people and the confirmation of 37 deaths.
Betara, an All Progressives Congress member, gave money to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Thursday while conducting a spot assessment of the catastrophe in Maiduguri.
The congressman acknowledged his concerns over the deaths of thousands of Maiduguri citizens and their forced relocation, but he also praised Zulum for acting quickly to lessen the impact of the disaster.
The head of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, Betara, offered condolences to the flood victims and promised that the appropriate assistance would be given through the appropriate channels to guarantee their recovery.
He stated: “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.
“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 aljanah-firdaus.
“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.”
Before the National Assembly reconvenes after its yearly break, Betara promised to inform the House of the damage the flood caused to the populace.
“I will 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,” he assured.
Speaking about the nationwide trend of flooding, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, stated that 29 States and 172 Local Government Areas have experienced flooding, which has affected 1,048,312 people, caused 625,239 to be displaced, and resulted in the death of 259 people.
“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 the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency which informed that in 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,” she stated.
