Latest News
Tinubu Cancels US Trip to Support Borno Flood Victims
President Bola Tinubu cancels US trip to support Borno flood victims. Over 37 lives lost, 1 million displaced.
A devastating flood has ravaged parts of Borno State, claiming 37 lives, displacing approximately one million people, and destroying property worth millions of naira.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Maiduguri, the state capital, to offer his condolences and assess the damage.
Presidential Visit
President Tinubu was received in Maiduguri on Monday by Governor Babagana Zulum. He expressed sadness over the massive losses caused by the Borno flood.
“I am here to sympathize with you. I heard the report, my Vice President gave details to me personally as I was going directly to America but had to call off the trip to be with you,” President Tinubu said.
He also visited the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn El-Kanemi, where he pledged the Federal Government’s support.
“I thank you very much for your leadership and your various prayers. This is one disaster that we must pay attention to, we will help Borno State,” President Tinubu told the Shehu.
Federal Government’s Commitment
President Tinubu acknowledged the commitment of Governor Zulum to tackling the challenges brought by the flood and emphasized the need for collective action.
“We as a government pledge that we will help you with the rehabilitation of the affected areas and rescue the victims.
“It is our problem, not just your problem; we must share in each other’s pains.
“May Allah help us stop the tragedy; the situation that we find ourselves in, the environmental problem and climate change,” President Tinubu said.
Response from Borno Leaders
The Shehu of Borno thanked President Tinubu for visiting the state to sympathize with the people over the unfortunate incident.
“We are grateful for your concern and may Almighty Allah reward you. We are grateful to the VP Kashim Shettima, as well as our governor Prof. Umara Zulum.
“My request to you is to find the root cause of this flooding to address it appropriately to avoid future occurrences as 80 percent of the city has been affected by this disaster,” El-Kanemi said.
He noted that since Maiduguri was established in 1907, it had never witnessed a disaster of such magnitude, except for a similar incident in 1994.
Governor Zulum also thanked President Tinubu for visiting the state purposely to express his sympathy over the flood disaster.
“It has gone beyond the disruption of socio-economic activities, but has claimed the lives of 37 people, with 1 million displaced in Maiduguri.
“I was told you came this morning and you decided to proceed straight to Maiduguri to commiserate with the people of Maiduguri.
“Your Excellency, this shows your sense of humanity and the degree of fraternity you have with the people of Nigeria. We remain eternally grateful to you,” Zulum said.
READ ALSO: