The Borno state government says it has begun the second verification exercise for victims of the flood that ravaged Maiduguri, the state capital, earlier in September, News About Nigeria reports.
Bukar Gujibawu, chairman of the state Flood Relief Distribution Committee, said on Saturday that the exercise is targeted to ensure transparency and even distribution among the impacted victims.
Bukar stressed the committee’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent verification process for the flood victims.
He noted that the second verification exercise will cover over 7,000 victims affected by flooding in Limanti Ward, within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.
“Today, we see the community of Limanti turning out in large numbers as early as 7 am,” he said.
“We will meticulously follow the process to ensure that no one is left behind.
“Those affected to remain patient, assuring them that no legitimate victim would be overlooked—the names of those impacted by the flood were displayed at the district head’s palace for verification and feedback.”
On Tuesday, Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, unveiled the distribution of relief items to over 5,000 victims of the flood disaster in Gwange 1 Ward.
BACKSTORY
On September 10, thousands of residents fled their homes as flood-ravaged swathes of Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin areas of Maiduguri.
The flood occurred due to the collapse of the Alau Dam, which has been at full capacity for the past week.
Borno experienced severe flooding in 1994 when the dam collapsed, resulting in the destruction of crops and property. Six northern states—Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, Plateau, and parts of Cameroon—were adversely affected.
The Borno government has opened up internally displaced persons (IDP) camps for victims across the state.
The incident has elicited widespread sympathy for the people of the state.
Following the disaster, several state and national assembly members, state governments, agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and individuals donated to victims of the recent flood in Maiduguri.
