FLOOD: Protest Erupts In Maiduguri On Government Relief Intervention, Police Responded To Protesters

A protest has erupted in Maiduguri, Borno State, by victims of flood disaster.

According to sources, the protesters were protesting against what they alleged as the unfair distribution of relief assistance and aid by the government and other related bodies.

It was gathered that the angry protesters have blocked a traffic at Baga Road junction in Maiduguri on Friday.

This is coming after majority of displaced persons were resettling in their homes, a week after their displacement by the devastating flood that ravaged some parts of the state.

Responding to the protesters, the Borno State command of the Nigerian Police Force, has called for calm on the situation.

The commissioner of the command, CP Mohammed Lawal Yusufu, urged all displaced flood victims in Maiduguri to remain calm and composed.

He made the call while addressing the affected individuals, emphasizing the importance of patience.

He assured them that the Borno State Government, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other humanitarian organizations, have implemented essential relief measures.

CP Yusufu cautioned against negative impact of the protest, saying ”obstructing traffic would worsen the situation and potentially compromise peace in the state.”

”Displaced victims have been issued token cards to receive government-distributed palliatives.

”The public is encouraged to continue their lawful activities without apprehension, as the command maintains its commitment to upholding law and order,” he added.

The recent flooding in Borno State, triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam on September 10, has displaced thousands of Maiduguri’s residents.

According to the state governor in a broadcast earlier, over one million people have been affected in the state capital as well as Jere and Konduga local government areas of Borno.

It was reported that the disaster has also resulted in the loss of at least 30 lives and significant damage to homes and infrastructures.

Both the government at different levels and humanitarian organisations are providing emergency assistance to address urgent needs, such as access to food, clean water and sanitation.

It is also on record that a donation and pledges of over N12bn was received by the Borno State government as donation to victims of the flood.