Borno Floods: FG Deploys Experts to Test for Hazardous Chemicals

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has deployed a team of experts to help mitigate the effects of the flooding that ravaged parts of Borno state.

The government also announced that experts will carry out continuous water sampling and tests and identify sources of hazardous chemicals, and take proactive measures to prevent waterborne diseases in the state.

The recent flooding in Borno State, caused by the breakdown of the Alau Dam, has resulted in unprecedented devastation, with over 30 lives lost, 23,000 residential houses destroyed, and 414,000 people displaced, critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads, electricity systems, healthcare facilities, and schools, severely damaged, including approximately one million people losing their source of livelihood.

In a press statement on Wednesday, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, noted that he led key officials of the ministry to pay a condolence and sympathy visit to the state last Friday, towards mitigating the adverse effects that may occur as a result of the unfortunate flood incidence.
Lawal stated that it is important to focus on the urgent need for a coordinated and comprehensive response to mitigate the resultant environmental challenges posed by the flood.

He said: “During the condolence visit, I informed the Governor that the Federal Ministry of Environment will send a team of experts from the relevant department, agencies and projects to collaborate with Borno State Government in addressing the impacts of the flood.”

The minister highlighted that the ministry has consequently deployed a team of experts from the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, the Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, the Department of Forestry; the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-arid Landscape Programme Project, the Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project, the National Park Services, and the Environmental Health Council to help in mitigating the effects of the flooding.

He said: “The above team will carry out continuous water sampling and tests, identify sources of hazardous chemicals, and take proactive measures to prevent waterborne diseases. Similarly, the team will maintain continuous sampling of water sources which is essential for monitoring water quality, identifying contamination, as well as taking proactive measures to maintain public health and safety in the state. All agencies under the Ministry in Borno State have been directed to collaborate with the State Government to mitigate the effects of the flood disaster.
“So far, 100 drums of 40kg of chlorine has been deployed to Borno State to disinfect water sources, ensuring safe drinking water and preventing waterborne diseases like cholera. Furthermore, the Ministry will deploy 30,000 flyers to sensitise the public on best sanitation and hygiene practices which include proper waste disposal, frequent handwashing, and personal hygiene to reduce the spread of infections.

“Beyond immediate short-term response, the Ministry will also work closely with Borno State Government to develop comprehensive flood mitigation strategies and early warning mechanisms to safeguard against future recurrences. We will also explore avenues for collaboration with international partners to strengthen the State’s capacity for disaster risk management and climate adaptation.”

The minister commended Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum for his swift response in mobilising resources and ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected communities.

He said: “I am confident that under His Excellency’s capable leadership, Borno State will emerge stronger from this tragedy and the resilience of its people will once again shine through.
“I hope that together, the Federal Government will strengthen its resolve to build resilience against such environmental challenges in the future.”

Borno Floods: FG Deploys Experts to Test for Hazardous Chemicals

NSCDC Deploys 6,433 personnel’s for Edo Election

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 6,433 officers and men for the Edo State Governorship Election.

The Commandant General of the NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi while announcing the deployment in a statement on Wednesday, charged them to remain apolitical, act professionally and disciplined while on election duty, noting that the NSCDC has a vital role to play in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure

He stressed that the security of election materials, both sensitive and otherwise, has become very vital for the operatives before, during and after the election.

According to the statement, the NSCDC will deploy over 300 operatives each from Ondo, Delta, Kogi, Osun, Imo and Enugu Commands, with the Edo State Command having 3,626 officers on ground for the election while Rivers and Bayelsa State Commands will draft in 400 and 350 personnel respectively.

Also, 607 Special Forces would be deployed from the National Headquarters, which comprises the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Female Squad, Anti Vandal Squad, Chemical Biological Radiological and Explosive Unit, while Kennel ( K9) Unit has also been mobilized for the election.

The CG was quoted to have said: “Our deployment for the Edo Governorship Election will cover all nooks and crannies, including flash points. Since we do not have a general election, we have enough personnel to deploy across Wards, Polling units, Collation centres, INEC offices and other areas.

“All Personnel deployed are to work in synergy with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful conduct of the election; the special forces and Anti vandal squad are to ensure the protection of government facilities and infrastructure with more attention paid to the identified flashpoints and volatile areas. Notably, the undercover officers have been deployed few days to the election to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and provide up-to-date intelligence report and real-time security situation from all the 18 local governments in Edo State.

“Let me use this opportunity to enjoin politicians not to heat the polity unnecessarily. You are also advised to shun all forms of violence, thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes and any other form of electoral malpractices that could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election.

“It is very vital to also warn in strong terms that parents and guardians should keep their children from being used as instruments of violence or being sponsored by desperate politicians to cause mayhem and electoral violence as those arrested would be charged accordingly in compliance with the extant laws”.

The Commandant General also directed the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations; DCG Philip Ayuba, to ensure overall supervision, monitoring and effective coordination of the deployed personnel before, during and after the elections

NSCDC Deploys 6,433 personnel’s for Edo Election

Maiduguri Flood: Northern Christian Youth Professionals Demand Investigation into Reckless Handling of Alau Dam

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals
have demand that the Federal and Borno State Governments investigate and hold accountable those responsible for Alau Dam’s reckless handling.

The group on Tuesday in a signed statement by its chairman, Isaac Abrak while insisting that the commonwealth provided for dam maintenance and climate change initiatives which has now failed the people, noted that the recent flooding in Borno State, caused by the breakdown of the Alau Dam, has resulted in unprecedented devastation, with over 30 lives lost, 23,000 residential houses destroyed, and 414,000 people displaced, critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads, electricity systems, healthcare facilities, and schools, severely damaged, including approximately one million people losing their source of livelihood.

The statement read: “We demand that the Federal and Borno State Governments investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the dam’s reckless handling. The commonwealth provided for dam maintenance and climate change initiatives has failed the people.

“While commending President Tinubu’s compassionate visit and N3 billion pledge, we question setting up another fund without investigating why existing Ecological Funds (N40 billion, with Borno receiving N800 million) have failed to mitigate climate issues.

“Flooding is an existential problem worsened by leadership failures. Throwing money at environmental problems without accountability is inhumane.

“We urge: Investigation and accountability for dam mishandling; Transparent utilization of existing funds; Safe housing construction in highland areas; Logistics support for temporary relocation; School closures and alternative education arrangements.”

The group insisted that: “The 2022 Bayelsa flooding serves as a stark reminder. We cannot continue to fail the most vulnerable.”

Maiduguri Flood: Northern Christian Youth Professionals Demand Investigation into Reckless Handling of Alau Dam