BY: FAIZA JIBRIN, SEPTEMBER 8, 2024/ 12:19AM
Following the recent overflow of the Alau Dam, which caused flooding in communities around riverbanks few days ago, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has issued a directive aimed at safeguarding the state's most vulnerable populations.
The directive calls for the immediate activation of government machinery to ensure the safety of women, children, and displaced persons who are at the highest risk in the event of flooding.
The directives was issued on Saturday in a statement signed by Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, governor's senior special adviser on new media.
He announced the directive, highlighting the governor's concern about the possible overflow of the Alau Dam, which serves as a critical water source for Maiduguri's domestic and agricultural needs.
According to him, the governor instructed local governments and emergency response teams to prioritize vulnerable communities by assessing high-risk areas and implementing preventative measures.
The governor's administration is deploying emergency resources, including temporary barriers, evacuation routes, and public awareness campaigns, to inform vulnerable populations about potential dangers.
'We cannot afford to be complacent in the face of this impending challenge.
'It is imperative that we should mobilize all our resources, engage all stakeholders across communities, and implement effective measures to safeguard our people.
'We have a standing committee to mitigate flooding; which has in the past evacuated and led to the construction of more drainages in different parts of the state. I have instructed more measures to avert any emergency health epidemic. We have also established the agency for the Great Green Wall,' the governor explained.
Local councils have been directed to work closely with civil society organizations, community leaders, and religious institutions to ensure emergency protocols reach those most in need.
Gov. Zulum urged residents in at-risk areas to remain vigilant and adhere to directives from authorities.
He emphasized that the government's approach will address both immediate and long-term solutions to protect communities from future disasters.
'As part of the long-term measure, we intend to construct structures to harvest water for irrigation and embark on soil conservation, including reinforcement at the river banks and resulting of river Ngada to allow free passage of water,' he said.
In the statement, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, Secretary to the Borno State Government, has been appointed to lead the coordination of the flood emergency response.
He has begun assessments of critical locations, including Alau Dam and vulnerable areas within Maiduguri's metropolis, to ensure the governor's directives are fully implemented.
With several Nigerian states experiencing flood disasters this year, Gov. Zulum's swift action underscores his commitment to protecting vulnerable populations in Borno State.
His directive aims to avert a humanitarian crisis by prioritizing the safety of those most at risk.
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