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.

Maiduguri Flood Disaster: Vice President Shettima Leads High-Powered Delegation for On-the-Spot Assessment

By Ibrahim Abubakar Yola

Vice President Kashim Shettima led a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Maiduguri to assess the devastating flood disaster caused by the collapse of a dam in the metropolis. The visit, aimed at offering support and commiserating with the government and people of Borno State, comes as part of a broader federal response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

During the visit, Vice President Shettima addressed displaced persons currently sheltering at the Bakassi camp, provided by the state government. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every victim and community affected by the floods receives adequate support, and pledged that recovery efforts would reach all corners impacted by the disaster.

The delegation also paid a visit to the palace of the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi, to discuss further measures of support and cooperation.

In parallel, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has ramped up its response, deploying additional search and rescue teams to assist residents still trapped in their homes. NEMA has also warned of the potential risk of waterborne diseases stemming from the contamination of household water sources, and is providing clean water to shelters like the Bakassi camp to mitigate this risk.

“Our officials, along with personnel from sister agencies, are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and welfare of all affected individuals,” NEMA officials stated. “We commend the people of Borno State for their voluntary efforts in providing humanitarian assistance alongside our teams.”

This coordinated federal response highlights the gravity of the situation in Maiduguri, as the government continues to prioritize the safety, recovery, and wellbeing of all affected by the disaster.