The House of Representatives member representing Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency in Borno State Muktar Betara has donated N100 million to support victims of the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri.
The flood, caused by heavy rains and the subsequent collapse of the Alau Dam, has resulted in the tragic death of 37 individuals and displaced over 400,000 people.
Betara, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, made the donation during an on-the-spot assessment of the disaster in Maiduguri on Thursday. He presented the funds to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, expressing deep sorrow over the loss and displacement suffered by the city’s residents.
In his statement, Betara extended his condolences to the governor and the state government, acknowledging the significant impact of the flood on the local community. “On behalf of myself, my family, and the good people of Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency, I donate the sum of N100 million to support the affected people of Maiduguri,” Betara said. He also praised Governor Zulum’s swift response to the crisis, highlighting the governor’s efforts to mitigate the disaster’s effects and provide assistance to those in need.
Betara promised to advocate for further support upon the National Assembly’s return from its annual recess. “When the House resumes, I will ensure that this flood disaster is addressed as a matter of urgent public importance,” he assured.
In light of the current flooding crisis affecting Nigeria, NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, provided an overview of the broader situation. She reported that 29 states and 172 local government areas have been impacted by flooding, affecting over 1 million people, displacing more than 625,000, and resulting in 259 deaths.
The flood situation aligns with predictions made in the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency’s annual flood outlook, which identified 33 states and 135 local government areas as high-risk for flooding from July to September 2024. The period between October and November is expected to see flooding in 19 states and 44 local government areas.
Umar emphasized the need for a coordinated response to manage the crisis effectively and mitigate further damage.
