President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, visited victims of the last Tuesday flood disaster that has killed no fewer than 30 persons, displaced more than two million people, and destroyed property worth billions of naira.
This came as Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar IV has urged the Federal Government to publicise flood-prone zones for citizens’ safety
President Tinubu during the visit assured that the federal government will provide maximum assistance to Borno and other states affected by flood disasters to cushion their immediate sufferings.
He spoke when he paid a sympathy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi and the victims of the flood disaster.
Addressing some of the victims taking refuge at the Government College before proceeding to the Shehu of Borno’s palace which was completely submerged, the President said “We are here to sympathise with you over the unfortunate flood disaster, and I want to assure Borno people and other states affected by natural disasters that the federal government will give the desired maximum support.
“I was outside the country for an official engagement when I heard of the shocking news of the flood. Already, the Vice-President has visited the state on behalf of the federal government, but I have to come all the way from America to personally sympathise with you.
“I want to commend Governor Zulum, The Shehu of Borno and all other stakeholders for their contributions”.
While at the Government College, the President commiserated with the victims and assured them that the government at all levels would not forsake them, but do everything possible to support them and mitigate their immediate sufferings.
Responding, Governor Zulum and the Royal Father commended President Tinubu for finding time to sympathize with them at this trying moment, saying among others,
“I want to also appreciate the federal government for providing N3 billion to each of the states of the federation. We in Borno have since received our own share which we have started disbursing to vulnerable groups, and now that we have witnessed another monumental disaster, we have started using the funds judiciously in managing the incident.”
Also, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi expressed his sincere gratitude to President Tinubu for the visit, and all the support extended to the traditional institutions and the victims.
Among the entourage of the President include the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Chairman Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara state, Abdurahman Abdulrazak, governors of Kogi, Bauchi, Sokoto states, some ministers and many other dignitaries.