News

Shettima visits victims, describes tragedy as beyond Borno gov’t

September 11, 2024

302

Shettima visits victims, describes tragedy as beyond Borno gov’t

Vice President Kashim Shettima has visited flood victims in Maiduguri Metropolis and Jere, announcing that 50 trucks of rice are on their way to the state for distribution.

The vice president, speaking at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, stated that the visit was made at the direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The president has assured that the federal government will stand firmly behind Borno State to improve the dire conditions of our people.

“We are engaging with the organized private sector to further support Borno State’s efforts because, frankly, Your Eminence, the scale of the tragedy is beyond the capacity of Borno State alone to handle.”

“Rest assured that, Insha Allah, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to support the governor in addressing the needs of the people,” he said.

VP Shettima assured Nigerians that the government is working diligently to address all the challenges facing the nation.

“The problem of flooding is not confined to one part of the country; we are experiencing these challenges from Bayelsa to Sokoto. Rest assured that the president has the nation’s best interests at heart and will do whatever it takes to improve the situation,” he added.

In his response, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi, acknowledged that the flood was an act of God but suggested that the government should consult experts to advise on measures to prevent future occurrences.

“It is history repeating itself. Exactly in September 1994, a similar incident occurred, causing severe suffering, and now, 30 years later, we face another disaster.

“But this one is worse than what we experienced in 1994. Your Excellency, my appeal is that something must be done by inviting professionals to advise the government appropriately, so our people do not have to suffer again.

He expressed gratitude to the vice president for the visit and described the situation as devastating, especially at a time when people in the city were about to harvest their farmlands and bring in their produce.

See pictures/videos of the devastating flood disaster