The official distribution of relief materials to victims of the Maiduguri flood, affecting nearly two million people, was launched by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum on Tuesday. The flood, resulting from an overflow from Alau Dam, caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, leading the state government to deploy a rapid-response team for assessment and recovery efforts in stages.
The state government has received approximately N17bn in monetary donations and pledges so far. Governor Zulum initiated the relief material distribution starting with 5,235 households in Gwange 1, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.
Out of these households, 587 had their homes completely destroyed, 2,365 experienced minimal damage, and 2,283 were partially affected. Those with minimal damage will receive N100,000 along with essential items like rice, beans, mats, blankets, and mosquito nets. Those with severe losses will be compensated based on the extent of their destruction.
Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, state governments, UN agencies, development partners, and individuals for their support in responding to the disaster.
Meanwhile, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) conducted a comprehensive mop-up operation in various markets in Maiduguri to remove contaminated drugs and food items following the recent flooding in the area.
The mop-up operation targeted markets like the Gamboru drug and food market, Monday market, Open air-theatre drug market, and the Gwange drug market. This initiative aimed to prevent contaminated items from being resold, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, ordered the closure of the Gomboru drug market after contaminated drugs were sun-dried for resale post-flooding. NAFDAC officials removed compromised items valued at over N5bn, ensuring only safe products are available to the public.
NAFDAC will continue surveillance and monitoring in Maiduguri to safeguard public health, emphasizing the importance of reporting any suspicious or compromised products to the nearest NAFDAC office.