• NEMA, Military, Others Ramp Up Rescue Operations as Dozens Remain Trapped in Maiduguri
• ALGON Extends Condolences, Calls for Urgent Action
The flood-related death toll has surged to 259 across 172 local government areas (LGAs) in 29 states, according to Zubaida Umar, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). During a national emergency coordination meeting in Abuja, Umar reported that the disaster has affected over 1,048,312 people, with 625,239 displaced.
Umar emphasized that this disaster aligns with the flood predictions made earlier in the year. She noted that between July and September 2024, 33 states and 135 LGAs were identified as high-risk areas, while 19 states and 44 LGAs were projected to be at risk from October to November.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Aliyu Tijani, announced plans to send food and non-food relief items to flood victims in Borno State. Tijani highlighted the need for mental health support, educational materials, and shelter for those affected.
Rescue operations have intensified in Maiduguri, where many residents remain trapped or missing following the flood. NEMA’s North East Acting Zonal Coordinator, Sirajo Garba, confirmed that high suspension vehicles and boats have been deployed, and over 1,000 people were rescued on the day of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors Forum, led by its Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdultahman Abdulrazak, visited Maiduguri to offer condolences. Significant donations were made, including N50 million from Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and N100 million from Muktar Betara (APC-Borno).
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), through its national president, Aminu Mua’zu-Maifata, also extended condolences to the victims and called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Maiduguri. ALGON urged swift action to prevent future occurrences and called for immediate relief efforts from relevant agencies.
