Yobe state governor, Mai Mala-Buni has directed that downstream communities be immediately relocated to safer grounds, to avert perennial flooding occasioned by the rainfall.
He also directed the state Ministries of Environment and Humanitarian Affairs as well as the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to liaise with the communities to fast-track effective relocation and resettlement.
A statement signed by the Director-General, Press and Media Affairs to the Governor of Mamman Mohammed in Damaturu on Saturday said the measure was to protect the people against flooding.
“There are warnings from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) indicating heavy rainfall with massive floods that will affect some states including parts of Yobe.
“We should, therefore, make quick and fast arrangements to ensure the safety of our people.
“The ministries and SEMA should work out comprehensive and proactive measures to ensure the safety of the people before the much anticipated flood.
“The ministries should work along with the communities to reach mutual agreements on the choice of locations as well as the mode of movements,” Buni was quoted as saying in the statement.
The governor, therefore, directed the key ministries and SEMA to work out modalities of providing assistance to the vulnerable communities especially those living on the river banks to relocate to safer locations.
He said the state government would provide the necessary support to ensure the safety of the vulnerable communities.
The governor urged the affected communities to cooperate with the relevant agencies to provide the required support and assistance.
