Scores of displaced flood victims in Maiduguri, Borno State, protested yesterday, the lack of food and relief materials following the devastating flood that occurred on 09 September 2024.
The flood displaced over a million residents and destroyed critical infrastructure, leaving many without access to necessities.
The protesters, mostly from the Baga Road area, obstructed traffic at the junction, expressing frustration over the perceived neglect of relief assistance and humanitarian aid. Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Lawal Yusufu, quickly addressed the situation, urging the displaced victims to remain calm and patient.
“The Borno State Government, in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other humanitarian organizations, has instituted essential relief measures for their benefit,” CP Yusufu assured. He also cautioned against impeding traffic, emphasizing that it could compromise peace and hinder relief operations.
Current relief and aid efforts include. –
- Issuance of token cards to the displaced victims to access government-distributed palliatives.
- Collaboration between the Borno State government and humanitarian organizations to provide food, shelter, and clean water.
- On-going evacuation e with approximately 50,000 people relocated to temporary shelters.
The recent flash floods have affected over 239,000 people in Maiduguri, with an unconfirmed number of deaths or injuries. The floods have destroyed critical infrastructure, including bridges, and hampered access to hospitals, schools, and markets.
