Residents flee as flood ravages 10 communities in Kebbi – NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), says ten communities have been displaced by flood following heavy rains in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi.

Mr Aliyu Shehu-Kafindagi, the Head of Operations of NEMA, Sokoto Office, made this known when he led a joint assessment team to the affected areas on Wednesday.

He added that the incident left no fewer than 2,000 people homeless, who had no option but to flee to more safe areas.

“The incident, which occurred between Sept. 17 and 22, was caused by heavy rainfall and the coming of more water from River Niger, which led some communities to be submerged and inundated by the water.

“10 communities were affected in Shanga local government, and they include, Kunda, Dala- Maidawa, Dala-Tudu, Dala-Mairuwa, Ishe-Mairuwa, Kwarkusa, Kurmudi, Tugar Maigani, Tukur Cika, Uguwar Gwada, Uguwar Wakili and Gundu,” he said.

According to him, the displaced people are largely fishermen, who have lost many hectares of farmlands.

He said all their assorted crops comprising rice, maize, millet, beans, and guinea corn, among others, have been submerged.

The NEMA’s head also explained that the team in the course of its assessment, identified an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)’ camp in Tudun Faila Primary School, sheltering more than 300 people.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NEMA’s joint assessment exercise was conducted in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Shanga LG Officials, and security operatives in the state.

U.S. Govt offers humanitarian aid to Maiduguri flood victims

The U.S. government has offered humanitarian assistance to victims of the devastating flooding, which recently occurred in Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State.

“The United States is deeply saddened by the devastating floods that have affected Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and the displacement of many families.

“We extend our condolences to the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this disaster.

“In response, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing assistance to the affected victims through UN agencies and our implementing partners,” the U.S. Embassy, Abuja, stated on Monday.

“Through the World Food Programme(WFP), USAID is providing hot meal rations in four camps hosting internally displaced persons and has reached more than 67,000 individuals in the past few days.

“The WFP is also providing emergency nutrition assistance to pregnant and lactating women, including children under five years old,” it added.

The embassy further said that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) was using an initial 3 million dollars in USAID funding to address flood needs across the country.

It said USAID was also supporting the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) in conducting food airlifts to inaccessible areas in Borno and Maiduguri city to address urgent needs.

“Other USAID-funded partners, including international and local NGOs, are repurposing existing funds to provide critical assistance to individuals affected by the flooding in Maiduguri and neighbouring Jere Local Government Area.

“We commend the bravery and resilience of the people of Maiduguri and the tireless efforts of first responders, aid workers, and local authorities who are on the ground delivering essential services.

“Our thoughts remain with the people of Borno during this challenging time,” the embassy further stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the disaster had culminated in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and the displacement of many families, attracting a humanitarian assistance floodgate.

NAN reports that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says more than 30 people have died and over 400,000 displaced due to the flood in Maiduguri.

On Sept. 9,  thousands of residents fled their homes as flood-ravaged swathes of Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin areas of Maiduguri.

The flood occurred due to the collapse of the Alau Dam which had been at full capacity.

The Borno government opened up internally displaced persons (IDP) camps for victims across the state.

UNIBEN students trapped in Benin building collapse

An unconfirmed number of students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have been trapped in the rubbles of a three-storey building located on Ekhator Street in Ekosodin, which collapsed on Saturday.

The building is said to have been a popular student residential area in Benin occupied by the students of the University.

Eyewitnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin that although some students sustained injuries, there was no record of any fatalities yet.

One witness said the building had been a single-storey structure for years but was recently undergoing renovation with the addition of two more floors.

“The owner wanted to make more money since houses are now like diamonds in Ekosodin.

“The building’s foundation and structure were not designed to support the added floors, leading to the collapse.

“It’s like building a tower of Babylon,” the witness said.

Though the university management had yet to issue an official statement in respect of the development, rescue operations were still ongoing when a NAN correspondent visited the scene.

A student who lives in the area said the building fell amidst a downpour that started from Friday night to Saturday morning in Benin.

“The building gave in when the rain became too much this morning. The rain started since yesterday night.

“As you can see, rescue operations are still ongoing. There is a belief that some victims are still trapped inside,” he said.

When contacted, SP Moses Yamu, the Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Edo confirmed the incident.

“Rescue operations are still ongoing and until that is concluded, we cannot confirm whether there are death casualties or not.

“As soon as I have the report, we will let you know,” he said.