Maiduguri flood: Borno State Government says it is “a call for patience, resilience and empathy”

The Borno State Government has released a statement detailing the efforts to manage the catastrophic flood that recently submerged the city of Maiduguri and its environment in a massive flood. The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Internal Security Borno State, Prof. Usman Tar gave the statement on behalf of the state.

The lengthy public address, titled “Update on Flood Disaster Management and Recovery in Borno State – A call for Patience, Resilience and Empathy,” was released on 24th of September 2024.

In the statement, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum recounts the severe damage the flood has caused the Borno State He said “Dear Citizens and Residents of Borno State. The flood disaster in Maiduguri Metropolis, Jere and parts of Mafa LGA led to the loss of many lives and damages to homes, businesses and public property worth billions of Naira. The severity of the damage was to a large extent managed through constant communications with our people and constructive engagement with our stakeholders.”

He acknowledged the media, the military, NGOs and others for their support and donations “We remain grateful to Federal and State agencies and development partners for their support during evacuation of those who were trapped in the flood, and existential support during the period of their stay in the camps. In particular, we commend the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Emergency Management Agency, Chad Basin Development Authority, Federal Fire Service, Borno State Fire Service, Borno State Emergency Management Agency, and Borno State Environmental Protection Agency – and their mother ministries – for their tireless support. On the media front, we are grateful to the Nigerian Television Authority, Peace FM, Ansar Radio, Dandal Kura Radio, Ndarason Radio, Hadin Kai Radio, and University of Maiduguri Radio for keeping Maiduguri and Jere residents informed and aware of the happenings in the disaster space, and for reverting to us with feedback from the people – especially, citizens who demand better services from our first responders and the floods committee. The NUJ and its branches all stood firmly behind us, asking difficult questions and seeking clarifications and probing our claims. We commend you for your morbid adherence to ethics and journalistic best practices.

We are equally grateful to all who contributed in cash or kind to the Disaster Relief Fund, and those who sent their prayers and best wishes as we come to terms with the disaster. We are not taking your kind gestures for granted.”

Speaking on the magnitude of the damage caused by the massive flood he said the flood “destroyed lives and property of inestimable value. We are still taking stock of the damages and among the affected assets include private homes, business premises, security outposts, power lines, communication lines, equipment, buildings, water systems, roads and schools. The loss of personal belongings, memorabilia and domestic furniture and fittings can only be imagined.”

On achievements made so far in managing the disastrous event, it was established the following were achieved with the support and donations received:

“a. Mass evacuation of those trapped within the flooded homes and neighbourhoods. Within three days 98% of the trapped victims were effectively evacuated.

b. Governor Zulum and top government officials visited the camps to console with the victims and provide material support, assurances and psycho-social support.

c. Restoration of essential services, in particular, broken roads, power and communication lines, bridges, public water systems, markets, and schools.

d. Establishment of pathways for speedy drainage of the flood waters out of the flooded homes in Maiduguri, Jere and parts of Mafa in order to mitigate the severe consequences of the floods.

e. Establishment of a Dashboard to collate vital statistics on households, victims, and IDP camps.

f. Establishment of the Borno State Flood Disaster Situation Room as a platform for regular Press Briefings to provide up-to-date information for media practitioners and the discerning public.

g. Establishment of 36 internally displaced persons’ camps within Maiduguri Metropolis and Jere, with a full complement of services such as feeding systems, safe water, makeshift medical facilities and camp security, to provide safety and succour to the flood victims.

h. Provision of immediate support for the IDP in the camps and those taking solace outside the camps in partnership with federal agencies, humanitarian/development partners and NGOs.

i. Establishment of an effective makeshift framework for the provision of cooked and fresh meals to victims through the support of public, private and non-governmental organisations. Key examples include the Hot Meal Kitchen established by a group of concerned citizens which supplied cooked hot meals to camps and off-camp victims; the World Food Programme Kitchens; and Al-Muhajirun Foundation food distribution to targeted victims. These examples are by no means exhaustive.

j. Distribution of cash, food and non-food palliatives to all the IDPs in the 36 camps with the aim of alleviating suffering, and providing existential comfort and food security, even in their circumstance of displacement.

k. Eventual closure of some camps following voluntary exit of the IDPs, and reopening of primary and secondary schools which hitherto served as IDP camps.

l. Establishment of the Borno State Flood Disaster Relief Fund which has, so far, received over 7 billion Naira in donations. This is a basket fund that will be utilized to provide support for flood victims as they come to terms with rebuilding their homes and lives. In addition to the support from well-meaning individuals and organisations, the Federal Government has also committed substantial resources in cash and kind to bring succour to our people.

m. Rapid assessment of each and every home affected by the flood with a view to determining the extent of damage, and requirements for reconstruction. The Rapid Assessment Committees (RACs) comprise a combination of engineers, technocrats, bureaucrats, community leaders, religious leaders, representatives of households and security agencies. The RACs have visited all the affected homes and carried out an on-the-spot assessment, and provided recommendations for further necessary action.

n. Establishment of a 35-member Relief Fund Disbursement committee comprising representatives from federal and state government agencies and critical stakeholders from non-governmental and multilateral agencies to ensure transparent disbursement and utilization of the relief fund.

Speaking on the challenges faced to ensure the flood receded, the governor listed a couple of problems to surmount including some aftermath measures needed to be in place to avoid disease outbreaks.

In his words:

“In spite of the foregoing achievement, there are a number of challenges which we have to confront squarely to avoid mis-steps and errors:

1. Water recession is gradual, especially in lowland sections of Maiduguri, Jere and Mafa LGAs. There is a large number of stagnant water bodies that require mechanical drainage and fumigation to avoid disease outbreaks.

2. Many homes remain wet and flooded and therefore cannot be repaired immediately.

3. Many IDPs are yet to return home due to the unsafe, dingy and flooded situation of their homes.

4. The voluntary nature of camp exits has created a situation in which some camps remain open with sparse occupancy and skeletal services. The Flood Committee is working on some possible camp mergers to ensure that each camp carries a sufficient number of victims for efficient management.

5. Many IDPs have taken refuge in off-camp locations and relatives’ homes and homes of community homes. A purposeful mechanism has to be developed to profile these IDPs, and create access to support for them.

6. Rapid assessments of affected households have been slow due to the number of affected homes; attention to technical details, and the cumbersome, risky and fragile nature of the flooded enclaves. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the Rapid Assessments shall be completed within 2 weeks.

7. Complaints about discrimination regarding the distribution of palliatives to flood victims. 70% of the complainants are those who are not affected by flooding but yet seek to take advantage of the loopholes of the distribution process.

On the actions to be taken as the flood recedes, Hon. Tar said the Borno State Government hereby urges all stakeholders to remain steadfast and resilient and assures the general public the government will act as follows:

1. The Rapid assessments shall be conducted speedily, diligently, fairly and responsibly. Rapid assessment cannot be completed in a day or two. It takes time to deliver a compact assessment for the benefit of all.

2. Each affected household shall benefit from a fair share of the resources for rebuilding. Every kobo shall be channelled to the rightful beneficiary. The Flood Fund Disbursement Committee will operate freely without any undue interference from the Government or its agents. The Committee is at liberty to establish its eligibility criteria consistent with global best practices.

3. There shall be no more support to those who are taking shelter off-camps. Those who are taking shelter in the streets and private businesses are advised to return to their homes or move to the open camps.

4. Henceforth cash, food and non-food palliatives shall be directed to the homes, not at the camps. Over 50% of the flooded homes have dried for reoccupation, and more homes are set to be dry in the coming days. Weather forecasts reveal that rains will slow down, and surface waters will continue to recede in the coming days.

5. As the camps are being closed down due to the mass exit of the displaced persons, we urge humanitarian relief agencies, NGOs, and good citizens who wish to provide food and non-food support to the flood victims to henceforth target them in their natural homes and communal enclaves.

The governor also urged the residents of Borno State to “remain calm, patient, understanding and resilient” as Borno State recovered gradually from the flood. In the same breathe, he also warned; “those who may seek to cause disorder, take the law into their hands or commit a crime, be rest assured that our gallant security forces will not hesitate to use all legal means at their disposal to ensure the enforcement of law and order in our society.”