From Mustapha Saye, Kaduna
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep concern over the devastating floods that recently hit Maiduguri, Borno State, and other parts of Northern Nigeria, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread disruption of daily life.
The floods, triggered by heavy rains, overflowing rivers, and dam bursts, have left many communities submerged, adding to the existing hardships in the region.
In a statement issued by the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, which was made available to The Triumph in Kaduna, the ACF said it commiserated with the affected communities, particularly those in Maiduguri, where on September 10, 2024, video footage revealed streets, homes, and properties submerged in floodwaters, bringing the bustling state capital to a standstill.
The ACF also acknowledged the tragic loss of lives, the destruction of infrastructure, and the displacement of thousands of residents.
“The images from Maiduguri are a heart-wrenching reminder of the destructive power of nature and the urgent need for preventive measures,” the statement read.
The ACF also expressed grief for the victims across several other Northern states, where weeks of torrential rain had already caused dam bursts, collapsed bridges, and significant damage to homes and farmlands.
The forum called on public emergency agencies, humanitarian organizations, and first responders to expedite assistance to the flood victims without the usual bureaucratic delays. They urged immediate action to provide food, clean drinking water, medical supplies, and temporary shelter to affected communities.
The ACF also stressed the need for both Federal and State Governments, including military engineers, to undertake swift repairs of damaged infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and public buildings, to restore transportation and services to the affected areas.
However, the ACF pointed out that much of the destruction caused by the floods could have been avoided if proper urban planning laws and environmental regulations had been strictly enforced. The group decried the negligence, poor enforcement of building codes, and lack of regulatory oversight that have contributed to the vulnerability of communities in flood-prone areas.
“It is no longer acceptable for lives, property, and livelihoods to be lost due to incompetence, dereliction of duty, and corrupt practices,” the forum stated, calling for a more stringent implementation of town and regional planning laws.
The ACF emphasized that these measures would go a long way in preventing future occurrences of such disasters.
The forum also urged the general public to adopt sound environmental and hygienic practices, such as avoiding the blockage of drainages and watercourses and refraining from dumping refuse in unauthorized places. These steps, they noted, are crucial in mitigating the effects of heavy rains and ensuring that the impact of future floods is minimized.
The ACF concluded by praying for God’s protection over the people and communities of Northern Nigeria and expressed hope that with coordinated efforts between the government, security agencies, and the public, future calamities can be averted.
