Children and girls’ rights organisation, Plan International Nigeria, has expressed solidarity with the people of Borno state, particularly residents of Maiduguri who have lost their lives and property following torrential rains and the collapse of the Alau dam in the state.
The National Emergency Agency, NEMA, said at least 30 persons had died in the flood while 414,000 were displaced as 70 per cent of the city was submerged in flood water.
Speaking from Maiduguri where humanitarian workers are on the front line to provide immediate support to affected residents, Plan International Nigeria’s Food Security and Nutrition Specialist, Dr Emmanuel Nuhu, called on all stakeholders including the government, politicians, donor agencies, and INGOs to prioritise coordinated support for the residents.
“This is the worst flood in the state in over three decades and the washing away of debris from cemeteries, zoos, waste disposal sites, sewages, and other filthy locations put the residents especially children and girls in danger of contracting waterborne diseases such as cholera, giardiasis, salmonellosis and dysentery,” he said.
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He said: “The situation is dire for a population that has suffered displacement and hardship due to insurgency for more than 14 years.”
Also speaking, the Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Charles Usie while commiserating with the governor and people of Borno State, said in a crisis like this, “children and women suffer most. Food is scarce and basic hygiene materials for adolescent girls and women are unavailable.”
He commended the state governor for showing leadership by personally leading relief support for the affected residents.
“Maiduguri is host to our biggest humanitarian intervention in the northeast of Nigeria. We are working round the clock to support victims many of who have lost their homes and are displaced,” Usie said.
