President Bola Tinubu has pledged the Federal Government’s support to the Borno State government and its citizens in response to the devastating floods that have affected several parts of the state.
During his visit to Maiduguri on Monday, where he was welcomed by Governor Babagana Zulum, the President expressed deep sorrow over the significant losses caused by the disaster.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the floods have resulted in the loss of approximately 37 lives, displaced nearly one million people, and caused damage to property valued at millions of naira.
“I am here to sympathise with you. I heard the report, my Vice President gave details to me personally. I was going directly to America but I had to call off the trip to be with you.
“I thank you very much for your leadership and your various prayers. This is one disaster that we must pay attention to, we will help Borno State,” Tinubu told the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn El-Kanemi, when he visited his palace.
He also acknowledged the commitment of Gov. Zulum in tackling the challenges brought by the flood.
“We as a government pledge that we will help you with the rehabilitation of the affected areas and rescue the victims.
“It is our problem not just your problem, we must share in each other’s pains.
“May Allah help us stop the tragedy; the situation that we find ourselves in, the environmental problem and climate change,” the President said.
The Shehu of Borno thanked the President for visiting the state to sympathise with the people over the unfortunate incident.
“We are grateful for your concern and may Almighty Allah reward you. We are grateful to the VP Kashim Shettima, as well as our governor Prof. Umara Zulum.
“My request to you is to find the root cause of this flooding to address it appropriately so as to avoid future occurrence as 80 per cent of the city have been affected by this disaster,” El-Kanemi said.
He said since Maiduguri was established sometime in 1907, it had never witnessed a disaster of such magnitude, even though there was a similar incident in 1994.