The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, and the people of Borno State, following the devastating floods that have affected parts of Maiduguri, the state capital.
The recent floods, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, have resulted in significant damage to properties, disruption of livelihoods, and the displacement of many residents, exacerbating the already challenging situation in a state that has been dealing with the impact of insurgency for over a decade.
In a statement issued on Monday, the defence minister expressed his deep concern over the scale of the disaster, offering his solidarity with the government and people of Borno. “My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the people and government of Borno State during this trying period as the floods have wreaked havoc, causing immense suffering and hardship,” said Badaru.
He added, “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate flooding in Maiduguri, which has displaced families and caused untold hardship to the people of this great city. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. The federal government stands ready to support relief efforts as necessary.”
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The Minister also took the opportunity to praise Governor Zulum for his swift and effective response to the crisis. “I want to commend His Excellency Governor Zulum for his quick response and decisive actions in alleviating the suffering of the affected residents. The resilience and fortitude of the people of Borno in the face of adversity are truly remarkable. I have no doubt that under Governor Zulum’s leadership, Maiduguri will recover swiftly from this disaster,” Badaru remarked.
He assured the people of Borno State that the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with other federal agencies, will provide necessary assistance to mitigate the impact of the floods and restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
The flooding in Maiduguri has added to the complex humanitarian challenges in Borno State, where natural disasters have hampered ongoing efforts to rebuild communities affected by insurgency. Through various agencies, the federal government has already begun coordinating relief efforts, including providing emergency shelter, food supplies, and medical assistance to the displaced.
As recovery efforts begin, Minister Badaru reaffirmed the commitment of the federal government to work closely with state authorities and humanitarian agencies to ensure that those affected receive the help they need.
