The Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development (RAID), a prominent socio-economic group dedicated to fostering development, peace, and security in the region, has expressed deep concern over the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
In a statement issued by its director of Strategic Communication and Publicity, Comrade Bitako Abubakar Umar, RAID described the flooding as a devastating blow to a region already struggling to recover from the impacts of insurgency.
They recommended that bordering villages and states take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such events.
He said: “The situation is too devastating for the people, and the region, which hasn’t healed from the calamity of insurgency, is again hit by an upsurge of flooding.
“RAID commiserates with the good people of the state. This calls on the federal government, North East Development Commission, National Emergency Management Agency, United Nations, Philanthropies, friends of the Borno people, and other humanitarian bodies to aid the people.
“Similarly, the federal government should find a lasting solution to curb the recurrence of the situation. In particular, the Cameroon Republic will soon open their Laddo Dam to reduce the volume of the water. Bordering villages and states should provide measures for it to happen.”
The statement underscored the severity of the situation, emphasising that the flooding exacerbates the suffering of the local population.