Senator Ali Ndume from Borno South has made a passionate plea to the Federal Government to set up feeding stations for those affected by the recent floods in Borno State.
During a press conference in Maiduguri on Monday, the former Senate Leader expressed deep concern for the flood victims and urged that the disaster be recognized as a national crisis, warranting the establishment of emergency feeding and medical facilities.
Commending Governor Babagana Zulum for his efforts in creating over 25 camps for displaced individuals, Ndume suggested that Ramat Square in Maiduguri would be an ideal location for these feeding centres. He emphasized that emergency feeding is a common practice globally during crises like flooding.
He argued that the creation of these feeding centres would be a proactive solution to prevent further humanitarian issues, especially as flood victims continue to flock to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where food supplies are already running low.
“The government could collaborate with volunteers to set up these feeding stations,” Ndume proposed.
He noted that the extent of destruction caused by the floods is unimaginable unless one visits the affected areas in the state capital, highlighting that the state government alone is overwhelmed by the situation.
Ndume also called on affluent Nigerians, non-governmental organizations, and compassionate individuals to lend their support to the Borno State government in addressing the aftermath of the floods. He mentioned that leaders from Southern Borno are already taking steps to fundraise for the victims.
Furthermore, the Borno South senator urged the Federal Government to establish temporary medical facilities to address the health needs of the flood-affected individuals in the meantime.
He stated that such immediate actions would greatly assist residents currently residing in IDP camps in Maiduguri.
“The collapse of Alau Dam is not solely a local issue; it is a national calamity. I have never witnessed such severe devastation. It will be an enormous challenge to return to normalcy in the coming days and even weeks, as many homes have been submerged and their foundations compromised,” he remarked.
“I implore all corporate entities in Nigeria to step forward, as the government cannot manage this crisis alone. We must ensure that those in need do not continue to suffer. Some have been trapped in their homes for the past six days,” he concluded.
