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“Nigerians struggling to survive” – Muslim leaders to Tinubu

Published

3 months ago

September 17, 2024

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has sent a message to President Bola Tinubu.

The group warned him to do something urgently as Nigerians are struggling to survive due to the effect of the economic reforms of the Federal Government.

The NSCIA, the umbrella body of Nigerian Muslims led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, said this in a statement on Friday signed by its Deputy Secretary-General, Professor Salisu Shehu, in which it sympathised with the governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar and the people of the state over the tragic incident. The flooding claimed several lives, left many injured and destroyed billions of naira worth of property.

“This unfortunate development happening at a time when Nigerians generally are grappling to survive, owing to the effect of the current economic reforms by the Federal Government, is a tragedy too many,” the NSCIA said.

It commended the efforts of the federal and Borno State governments on the matter, imploring them, however, to further deploy the emergency management agencies and the North East Development Commission to ensure that the disaster is efficiently managed to reduce the sufferings of the thousands of the victims.

The organisation urged governments at all levels to take necessary measures to avert such incidents. The council called on private organisations and institutions, local and international humanitarian and donor agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the people of Maiduguri by providing relief materials and services.

“Our collective support and solidarity would go a long way in alleviating their sufferings caused by the flood disaster,” it said.

The flooding, which has displaced thousands of residents of mAIDUGURI, has rendered the government and the victims requiring local and international aids. Isa Fannarambe, a resident of 505 Housing Estate, described the incident as “apocalyptic.”

Separated from his three children due to the flooding, he is now taking refuge at Mari Mega School. “Thousands of us have been displaced,” he said. Aisha Bulama, a mother of three who fled her home, lamented: “We have lost everything. We need food, shelter and clothing. We can’t even afford to buy food for our children.”

Many of the victims are in distress and struggling to access basic necessities like food, water and shelter due to what is believed to be slow response to the disaster.

The devastating floods, caused by the collapse of Alau Dam, have submerged several areas in the city, leaving victims without essential necessities.

Many victims from areas like Gwange, Shattimari, 505 and Dikichiri have been cut off by flood waters and are unable to access the Bakassi Internally Displaced Persons camp opened by the state government. Some are taking refuge in uncompleted buildings while others are sheltering in schools that were not affected by the flood.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has declared a state of emergency and the Federal Government has granted N3 billion for humanitarian responses. However, aid has been slow to arrive, leaving many to fend for themselves.

As the situation deteriorates, fears of a looming food crisis grow, with many families unable to access basic necessities.

The Borno State government has promised to distribute food and relief materials, but many are still waiting.

“Affected communities rely on locals and local organisations to survive. We need help now. We can’t wait any longer,” said Amina Alhaji Bukar, a woman leader in Dakichiri.

The flooding highlights the vulnerability of communities in the state, particularly the capital city and the need for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis. Thousands of Maiduguri people are in dire need of food, shelter and support.