Borno flood, a set back to rehabilitation, Reconstruction of Northeast – NGO

By Samuel Luka,
Bauchi

The recent devastating flood which led to lost of lives and properties in Maiduguri, Borno state has been described as a setback to progress of rehabilitation and reconstruction of the North-East subregion, the recent flood disaster that devastated Maiduguri and environs.

A Non-governmental Organization, Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) which made this known in a press statement yesterday expressed sadness over the turn of events.

Signed by Horsfall Tony, North-East Regional Coordinator of the NGO, the statement lamented that the incident is a disruption to the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of the state which suffered years of damage due to activities of insurgents.

“Just while we were beginning to take joy in the rebuilding of torn communities, closures of IDP Camps and resettlement of internally displaced persons impacted by the decade long insurgency in the North East, especially in Borno State, feeling that normalcy was within sight; we are drawn aback and our hope is shattered by the devastating floods which have reversed progress.” IBBN lamented.

IBBN further decried that, with the events, “IDPs camps have had to be reopened, and thousands of women, children, and Youths are back on the streets without shelter following over a million people affected and displaced, not to speak of hundreds, killed by the flood.”

“We are further saddened by similar incidents of flooding in BAY states- Bauchi, Adamawa and Yobe, and indeed all other parts of Nigeria so hit- which all portend attendant ripple effects- disease outbreaks, protection issues, gender-based violence, malnutrition, and even death,” It further contained.

Horsfall Tony stated that,”On behalf of IBBN Convener and IBBN Director-General, we commiserate with all affected individuals, families, and communities who have lost loved ones, properties, and or livelihoods.”

He added that, “While urging all stakeholders to continue to join hands in this time of need, providing relief measures, support and resources to help especially the people and Government of Borno State recover from this devastating incident, as this indeed is the time to stand with the people and government of the affected areas, especially worst hit, Borno State.”

“We express the hope that the relief measures, supports and resources being provided will provide some comfort and fast forward the resumption to semblance of normalcy for individuals and communities who have been so affected,” he added.

The NGO called on the central and subnational governments, the private sector as well as all relevant stakeholders in the Nigerian hydrological and meteorological space to activate and or strengthen investments, measures and warning systems critical to averting future flood disasters in the country.