Maiduguri flood disaster: Only N4.4bn realised from N13.1bn flood donation – Official

Of the N13.1 billion in donations and commitments made by organizations and people for the victims of the flood calamity, the Borno government claims that just N4.4 billion is available.

Numerous organizations, associations, and people made promises and donations in support of the victims.

Prominent figures from both inside and outside of Nigeria also descended to Maiduguri to offer their condolences to the local administration and populace following the flood disaster on September 10.

During an update at the Borno State Government Flood Disaster Situation Room on Monday in Maiduguri, Prof. Usman Tar, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, disclosed this.

Tar stated that the available funds had been given to the recently established Disaster Relief Disbursement Committee, which is made up of honest individuals, in order to distribute them to the victims.

“It is an all encompassing committee with members from Federal and State Agencies, technocrats, traditional and religious leaders as well as representatives from the military, police, NSCDC, DSS, EFCC, ICPC among others.

“This morning, the Governor flagged-off cash support to the first batch of households for the commencement of rebuilding their homes,” Tar said.

According to the commissioner, victims that receive rations of food items and cash support to last two weeks should be expecting another package of support.

The commissioner said many victims, particularly those that received cash and food ration in camps had returned to their homes, while debunking claims that people were forced to leave the camps.

“Nobody was forced to leave the camp nor compelled to stay in the camp, if he/she felt like going back home as water had receded in most areas. What the government intended to do is to merge some camps.

“About 40 per cent of the camps are schools, so, we want to merge some camps by moving those occupying schools to other depopulated camps for students to resume school,” he said.

The commissioner also spoke about many other victims that refused to go to any of the camps, instead, they resorted to sleeping on the streets, filling stations and people business premises.

He said the state government has started registering them and giving them support, adding that they would be convinced to go to camps for their own safety.

Tar said those along Baga road would be encouraged to go to Gubio camp, while those along Custom area would be encouraged to go to Muna camp, and those along Bama road would be encouraged to go to Dalori camp.

He pleaded for patience and support to government and other partners engaged in various interventions to ameliorate the sufferings of the affected victims. (NAN)