Muktar Betara, the member representing Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State in the House of Representatives, has donated N100 million to support victims of the recent flood that devastated Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
The flood, caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam following heavy rainfall, has claimed 37 lives and displaced over 400,000 people, according to multiple reports.
Betara, a member of the All Progressives Congress, made the donation during a visit to Governor Babagana Zulum while assessing the flood’s impact. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the displacement of thousands of residents, praising Governor Zulum’s swift response to the disaster.
“I wish to, on behalf of myself, my family, and the good people of Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency, donate the sum of N100 million to support the affected people of Maiduguri,” Betara said.
He also commended the governor and his team for providing relief to those affected by the disaster, adding that he would ensure further intervention through relevant institutions to assist with the rehabilitation of the victims.
Ahead of the National Assembly’s resumption from its annual recess, Betara pledged to raise the issue of the flood as a matter of urgent public importance, stressing the need for further humanitarian assistance.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, reported that floods have impacted 29 states and 172 local government areas across Nigeria, affecting over 1 million people, displacing 625,239, and resulting in 259 deaths.
“This unfortunate and almost unexpected incident requires coordinated response,” she said, noting that predictions from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency had warned of high flood risks from July to September 2024 in 33 states and 135 local government areas, with further risks in October and November for 19 states and 44 LGAs.
