The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has commiserated with the people of Borno and other parts of Nigeria over the ravaging flood across the country, saying that the disaster could not have come at a worst time when the people are battling with other existential challenges.
ACF, in a statement by Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, its National Publicity Secretary following the devastating flood in Borno State, said the flood coming “amid already daunting existential challenges occasioned unprecedented economic meltdown, runaway inflation, astronomical increase in the prices of goods and services, insecurity challenges, food shortages, the floods could not have come at a worse time.
The Forum also called on the general public to observe sound environmental and hygienic practices, regulatory codes, planning laws and regulations, adding that: “People should desist from blocking drainages, water courses, indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorized places.”
ACF said yesterday Nigerians woke up to be inundated with heart-wrenching video clips of water literally swarming Maiduguri, the Borno State capital which flooded homes, streets, and other property bringing life to a standstill.
“Earlier, weeks of rains in other parts of the North, have resulted in submerged homes and farmlands, dam bursts, broken infrastructures, collapsed bridges and cutting off of major highways, in many states.
The sad sounds and images from Maiduguri are symptomatic of the situation in many communities across the states, with no end in sight.
“ACF regrets the dire situation in which people and communities have found themselves and grieves with all to whom the problems have impacted. ACF also mourns the lives lost, prays to God Almighty to provide succour to those left behind to bury the dead, bear the losses and to cope with disrupted lives.
May the injured enjoy quick recovery and return to good health.” Meanwhile, the Forum also called on public emergency response and humanitarian relief agencies and first responders, including emergency medical, security, fire and services, state emergency agency personnel, aid organizations, the press, to rush assistance of food, shelter, health facilities and medication, safe drinking water, assistance to all those in needs, without the usual bureaucratic delays, across all states and communities.
Meanwhile, former President Muhammadu Buhari has described the flood in Borno and other states of the federation as a national calamity. Buhari said this in a release by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, yesterday.
He sent commiserations to the government and people of Borno and the other states, following severe floods caused by incessant downpour. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this natural disaster,” Buhari said.