ALGON seeks FG’s support for victims of Borno flooding

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has condoled the victims of the flooding that ravaged most communities and towns in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State.

At least 414,000 people have been displaced and 30 killed by the devastating flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Victims are now sleeping on the streets as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has opened nine Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to provide shelter.

The floods, which resulted from heavy downpours, have severely impacted Bayelsa as well, with widespread flooding across the region.

ALGON therefore, called on the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, intervene in the situation by mobilising resources to support the victims of the flooding.

This was contained in a press statement signed and made available to journalists on Thursday by the National President of ALGON, Aminu Mua’zu Maifata.

The statement reads in part, “The National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Aminu Mua’zu Maifata on behalf of the Chairmen of the 774 local government areas and councils, condoles the people of Maiduguri, Borno State, over the recent devastating flood that has ravaged the city, leaving countless lives and properties affected.

“ALGON commiserates with the families of those who lost their loved ones and properties in this disaster. Our thoughts are with the government and people of Borno State during this difficult time.

“The Association calls on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Maiduguri and mobilise resources to support the victims.

“We also urge the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant agencies to provide immediate relief materials and support to the affected communities.”

According to the statement, ALGON further called for swift measures to prevent future occurrences, adding that a multi-stakeholder approach was necessary to address the root causes of the disaster and ensure that those affected receive the necessary support.

“Once again, we sympathise with the people of Maiduguri and assure them of our support during this challenging period,” the statement added.

ALGON is the umbrella body of all local government and area councils in Nigeria.