Flood: Gov. Buni orders relocation of downstream communities

Gov. Mai Mala-Buni of Yobe has directed for the immediate relocation of downstream communities to safer grounds to avert perennial flooding occasioned by the rainfall.

Mala-Buni also directed the state Ministries of Environment and Humanitarian Affairs as well as the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to liaise with such communities to fasttrack effective relocation and resettlement.

A statement signed by Mamman Mohammed, Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, to the governor, on Saturday in Damaturu, said the measure was to protect the people against flooding.

“There are warnings from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) indicating heavy rainfall with massive floods that will affect some states including parts of Yobe.

“We should, therefore, make quick and fast arrangements to ensure the safety of our people.

“The ministries and SEMA should work out comprehensive and proactive measures to ensure the safety of the people before the much anticipated flood.

“The ministries should work along with the communities to reach mutual agreements on the choice of locations as well as the mode of movements,” Buni was quoted as saying in the statement.

The governor, therefore, directed the key ministries and SEMA to work out modalities of providing assistance to the vulnerable communities especially those living on the river banks to relocate to safer locations.

He said the state government would provide the necessary support to ensure the safety of the vulnerable communities.

The governor urged the affected communities to cooperate with the relevant agencies to provide the required support and assistance.