The Federal Government has donated ₦3 billion to support flood victims in Maiduguri, Borno State, where over one million persons have been displaced due to devastating floods.
The donation was announced by Governor Professor Babagana Zulum, on wednesday during a visit to the Bakassi IDP camp, where he distributed cash and relief materials to affected persons.
According to the governor, the funds will be used to provide food, shelter, and other basic necessities to the displaced persons. He also revealed that vendors have been contracted to feed the displaced persons in the camp.
The flood, which was caused by the overflow of Alo Dam resulting from the release of water from dams in Cameroon, combined with heavy terrestrial rainfall and blocked water pathways due to development, has led to a humanitarian crisis in the state.
Governor Zulum blamed the flood on the overflow of Alo Dam and heavy rainfall, which has resulted in the displacement of over one million persons.
He announced plans to reconstruct the dam to increase its water volume capacity and demolish structures erected on riverine and water-prone areas to prevent future occurrences.
Search and rescue operations have commenced, and a health committee will be established to monitor potential disease outbreaks. Data collation of affected persons is also underway.
